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Probiotics in the dental practice: a review
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Probiotics show promise in dentistry for preventing oral diseases like cavities by reducing harmful bacteria. Further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and optimal use in oral healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in alternative, preventive, and therapeutic strategies in dentistry.
- Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are well-established in gastroenterology.
- Their role in combating biofilm-associated infections is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of probiotics in oral healthcare.
- To investigate the impact of probiotics on oral pathogens, particularly in relation to dental caries.
- To assess the current evidence and future research needs for probiotics in dentistry.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on probiotics in dentistry.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms of action for probiotics in oral infections.
- Evaluation of clinical findings and preliminary results.
Main Results:
- Probiotics may reduce the numbers of mutans streptococci, a key pathogen in dental caries.
- Clinical results are encouraging but require further investigation.
- Mechanisms of action against oral pathogens are not fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics demonstrate potential as an adjunct in preventing and treating oral diseases.
- Further research is essential to determine specific probiotic strains, optimal concentrations, and delivery vehicles for oral health.
- Investigating probiotics for caries, periodontal diseases, and halitosis is warranted.
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