Good bacteria vs. gum disease: can probiotics help diabetic patients?

This study tested whether placing a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) directly into deep gum pockets, along with standard deep cleaning, improves gum health in people with type 2 diabetes. Fourteen adults with controlled diabetes and moderate to severe gum disease took part. Each person received the probiotic on one side of the mouth and a placebo (sterile water) on the other, with treatments repeated weekly for a month. The goal was to see if the probiotic led to shallower gum pockets and less inflammation over six months.