Probiotic Species in the Management of Periodontal Diseases: An Overview

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, which are initiated and sustained by pathogenic plaque biofilms. Central to modern periodontology is the idea that dysbiosis of periodontal microecology and disorder of host inflammatory response gives rise to degradation of periodontal tissues together, which eventually leads to tooth loss, seriously affecting the life quality of patients. Probiotics were originally used to treat intestinal diseases, while in recent years, extensive studies have been exploring the utilization of probiotics in oral disease treatment and oral healthcare. Probiotic bacteria derived from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Weissella are found to play an effective role in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases via regulating periodontal microbiota or host immune responses. Here, we review the research status of periodontal health-promoting probiotic species and their regulatory effects. The current issues on the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in the management of periodontal diseases are also discussed at last. Taken together, the use of probiotics is a promising approach to prevent and treat periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, their practical use for periodontal health needs further research and exploration.

The Role of the Oral Microbiome in the Development of Diseases

“…Probiotics are defined as “living microorganisms that can have a beneficial effect on the host when taken in sufficient doses” [ 38 ]. Their function is to regulate host immune function, restore balance and maintain homeostasis in the mouth [ 3 ]. Good results of probiotics in improving oral health have been noticed not only in periodontal disorders [ 39 ] but also in dental caries [ 40 ], Candida infection [ 41 ] and halitosis [ 42 ].…”

“…Periodontitis is one of the most common infectious diseases [ 1 ], which affects 10–50% of the global population, depending on its severity [ 2 ]. Gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of periodontal disease (PD), and if not treated properly, this can progress to periodontitis [ 3 ]. PD is a complex and infectious illness that begins with the disruption of bacterial homeostasis.…”

Probiotics and metabolites regulate the oral and gut microbiome composition as host modulation agents in periodontitis: A narrative review

“…Several new species of Streptococcus have gained researchers’ interest due to their ability to colonise, biocompatibility, and easy dose determination experimentally [ 59 , 60 ]. Streptococcus is a gram-positive bacterium that is included in the normal flora of the human oral cavity and also intestine [ 61 ]. Streptococcus salivariu s was isolated from the saliva of healthy children [ 59 ].…”

“…S. salivarius strains K12 and M18 were also able to inhibit the release of IL-6 and IL-8 triggered by P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans , and F. nucleatum. [ 61 ] ( Fig. 3 .)…”

Potential oral probiotic Lactobacillus pentosus MJM60383 inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by inhibiting sucrose decomposition

“…Recent studies have revealed the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in oral health [ 12 ]. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus supernatants were reported to ameliorate periodontitis and gingivitis [ 13 ]. Lactobacillus reuteri , Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), and Lactobacillus plantarum inhibit the biofilm formation of S. mutans [ 14 ].…”