Probiotics in Oral Health and Disease: A Systematic Review

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Probiotics in Oral Health and Disease: A Systematic Review

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and maintaining a healthy oral cavity is essential for preventing various diseases. One emerging area of research in oral health is the role of probiotics in promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases.

A systematic review conducted by Seminario-Amez et al. (PubMed) examined the potential benefits of probiotics in maintaining oral health. The literature reviewed suggests that probiotics usage could be beneficial for the maintenance of oral health, due to their ability to decrease the colony forming units (CFU) counts of oral pathogens.

The study highlights the need for randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up periods to confirm the efficacy of probiotics in improving oral health. While probiotics show promise in reducing oral pathogens, further research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects.

The Impact of Probiotics on Dental Caries

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is a prevalent oral disease that affects people worldwide. The composition of oral microbiota plays a vital role in the development of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans is considered the most important caries-causing species.

Research suggests that probiotics can adjust the oral microbiota and reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. By doing so, they can have health-giving effects, especially anti-pathogenic effects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted to investigate the role of probiotics in preventing tooth decay.

The Role of Probiotics in Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth. These diseases are primarily caused by a bacterial infection.

Studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics can help in the prevention and control of periodontal diseases. Probiotics can modulate the oral microbiota and reduce the levels of pathogenic bacteria, thereby promoting periodontal health. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal strains and dosages of probiotics for periodontal disease prevention.

The Potential of Probiotics in Halitosis Management

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can significantly impact an individual's social life and self-confidence. The condition is often caused by oral bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds.

Research suggests that probiotics can help manage halitosis by reducing the levels of odor-causing bacteria in the oral cavity. Probiotics can restore a healthy balance of oral microbiota, leading to fresher breath. However, further studies are required to identify the specific strains of probiotics and their optimal dosage for halitosis management.

Exploring Postbiotics as Novel Biological Compounds

In addition to probiotics, postbiotics have gained attention in oral health research. Postbiotics are non-living biological compounds derived from probiotics. They include various metabolites, cell wall components, and bacterial lysates.

The current study highlights the potential application of postbiotics in improving oral health. Postbiotics can modulate the oral microbiota and exhibit beneficial effects similar to probiotics. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of postbiotics in oral health.

Conclusion

The systematic review on the application of probiotics in oral health emphasizes their potential benefits in maintaining oral health and preventing oral diseases. Probiotics show promise in reducing oral pathogens, preventing dental caries, managing periodontal diseases, and improving halitosis.

However, more research, including randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up periods, is needed to confirm the efficacy of probiotics and determine the optimal strains and dosages. Additionally, the exploration of postbiotics as novel biological compounds opens up new avenues for oral health research.