Can probiotics prevent dental caries?

This study was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was undertaken using eleven databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, The Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, Sinomed, Sciencedirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Technology Periodicals Database (VIP). Additional studies were identified by searching the references of these studies. The search time was from inception to April 2022.

The population, intervention, comparison and outcomes were considered. The level of evidence was limited to relevant randomised control trials (RCT) that answered the questions defined in this review.

Screening of eligible studies was conducted by two independent reviewers. Data was extracted using a standardised form which included information about the type of research, population, sample size of experimental group and control group, outcome measurements and results. Bias risk and evidence quality assessment were also assessed. Where appropriate, standard meta-analysis techniques were used to pool study results. The statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan5.4 software and the Stata16. Sensitivity analysis was performed on the combined analysis results.

A total of 17 RCTs were identified to meet the eligibility criteria. The trials lasted between 2 and 24 weeks and were published after 2000. The studies encompassed 3781 preschool children divided into an experimental group (n = 2047) and a control group (n = 1734). The meta-analysis highlighted that incidence of dental caries could be prevented by probiotics. Caries incidence in preschool children was reduced in the Lactobacillus rhamnosus group. Streptococcus Mutans (S.mutans) count in saliva could be reduced however, probiotics could not reduce the number of S.mutans in dental plaque.

The authors conclude that probiotics could prevent dental caries. Lactobacillus rhamnosus was identified as the more effective than other probiotics to reduce dental caries in preschool children.