Short-Term Effects of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment and Probiotics in Elderly Living Alone: A Pilot Study

Background: Elderly individuals living alone are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease. This pilot study investigated the combined effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and probiotic supplementation on periodontal and systemic health parameters. Methods: Fourteen elderly men living alone who met metabolic syndrome criteria, underwent a comprehensive intervention. They received NSPT involving supra- and subgingival debridement using Gracey curettes and ultrasonics, along with oral hygiene instructions. This was followed by a 4-week daily regimen of 3 g probiotic sachets (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, and L. rhamnosus strains) and 40 g inactivated parabiotic-coated organic whole-grain cereals. Clinical assessments at baseline and post intervention included periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing), quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of six oral pathogenic bacterial species, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical analyses (fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], lipid profiles). In addition, subgroup analyses were performed for participants who exceeded normal metabolic syndrome indicator ranges. Results: Significant improvements in several parameters were observed. The lingual probing pocket depth significantly decreased (p=0.012). Systemically, HbA1c levels decreased significantly from 6.63% to 6.29% (p=0.006). Both systolic blood pressure (from 137.79 mmHg to 126.93 mmHg, p=0.017) and diastolic blood pressure (from 70.93 mmHg to 65.50 mmHg, p=0.043) showed significant reductions. Subgroup analysis confirmed significant improvements in HbA1c levels. Although certain oral pathogenic bacteria showed a decreasing trend, the changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: NSPT combined with probiotic supplementation demonstrated beneficial effects on the periodontal and systemic health of elderly men living alone. This suggests a promising adjunctive therapy for this vulnerable population, warranting further investigation with larger controlled studies.