The magic of magic bugs in oral cavity: Probiotics

Abstract

The aim of this review is to present an update about the current status of probiotics in the field of dentistry. Oral infections are the most common forms of infections. It is necessary to understand the role of the ecology and microbiology of the oral cavity in better understanding of the pathogenesis of various oral diseases. The concept of bacteriotherapy has been an emerging field in dentistry. The use of health-beneficial micro-organisms to heal diseases or support immune function was first introduced in the beginning of the 20th century. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts and it has been found to be beneficial to the host health. In medicine, probiotics are used mainly in support therapy for gastro-intestinal diseases. In recent years, probiotics have been used as a treatment to promote oral health. This approach has shown promising results in the oral cavity with respect to control of chronic diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, and recurring problems such as halitosis and candidal infections. Despite the immense potential of probiotics, data are still deficient on the probiotic action in the oral cavity, which further mandates randomized trials before any concrete clinical recommendations can be arrived.

Enterosalivary nitrate metabolism and the microbiome: Intersection of microbial metabolism, nitric oxide and diet in cardiac and pulmonary vascular health

“…While human and animal studies have established the ability to successfully populate the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract with specific strains, combinations of bacteria, or bacteria genetically modified to produce enzymes or metabolites[74,404–407], it is by no means clear that repopulation by probiotic bacteria must occur to achieve its intended effects[309,407]. Given, however, that probiotic therapy exerts a beneficial effect on dental caries, periodontitis, and pharyngitis in the oral cavity[408–411], as well as on obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and heart failure via the gut(reviewed:[399,403]), there is clear potential to treat PH with microbial interventions by modifying either oral or gastrointestinal bacteria.…”

Interactions between Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and oral micro-organisms in an in vitro biofilm model

“…Also poor daily oral hygiene may increase the chronic inflammatory burden to the body [ 16 ]. According to accumulating data from clinical trials, probiotics have shown capacity to be an alternative strategy for the prevention and treatment of bacterial/yeast diseases [ 17 , 18 ]. In the past decade, researchers have investigated the antagonistic interactions between probiotics and pathogens in their planktonic form in broth media and/or in colonies on agars [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Probiotics: A Promising Role in Dental Health

“…In Cases 1 and 2, it is expected that, through such processes, modulation of the oral–biofilm composition will take place [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. This would result in reducing the pathogenicity and cariogenic potential of biofilm microorganisms [ 33 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] as well as reducing the potential pathogens burden in oral biofilm [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. The final outcome will definitely present a clear path for caries, gingivitis and periodontal management [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”