Probiotics in Caries Prevention

Past few decades have seen a significant increase in the prevalence of dental caries at a global scale. To reduce the pervasiveness of cariogenic microflora, various efforts have been undertaken. However, completely eradicating caries-associated microorganisms has been futile.¹ Endogenous bacteria, such as Lactobacillus species, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus persisting in biofilms ferment carbohydrate and produce weak organic acids as by-products. This, in turn, results in a drop in the local pH well below the critical level, resulting in demineralization of tooth.².