The implication of probiotics in the prevention of dental caries

• Published in: Applied microbiology and biotechnology Vol. 102; no. 2; pp. 577 - 586
• Main Authors: Lin, Tzu-Hsing, Lin, Chih-Hui, Pan, Tzu-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.01.2018; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bacteria; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biotechnology; Dental caries; Dental Caries - microbiology; Dental Caries - prevention & control; Dental insurance; Eating behavior; Habits; Health; Health aspects; Health problems; Humans; Immune system; Life Sciences; Microbial Genetics and Genomics; Microbiology; Mini-Review; Mouth - microbiology; Oral cavity; Oral diseases; Oral Health; Oral hygiene; Periodontics; Prevention; Probiotics; Probiotics - administration & dosage; Probiotics; Dental caries; Periodontal infection; Oral health
• ISSN: 0175-7598; 1432-0614
• DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8664-z

The current oral health crisis, whose causes are varied and complex, necessitates timely oral evaluation and early detection and treatment of oral health problems. Dramatic changes in eating habits and lifestyles are associated with the recent decline in oral health. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that support digestion and a healthy immune system and offer various health benefits to the host. Traditionally, probiotics have been used to improve gut health; the most common uses have historically been as a treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal infections and disease. During the last decade, studies have additionally suggested the intake of probiotics for oral health purposes. Probiotic use provides an effective strategy to combat oral disease, including the development of dental caries and periodontal infection. The aim of this review is to describe the beneficial roles of probiotic bacteria in the oral cavity and the potential mechanisms by which these bacteria exert their effects on oral health.