The Use of Probiotic Strains in Caries Prevention: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the caries-prevention effect of probiotics in human. The hypothesis was that the administration of probiotic strains might play a role in caries lesion prevention and in the control of caries-related risk factors. The main relevant databases (Medline, Embase) were searched. Quality of the Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) was classified using the “Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials” (CONSORT) checklist and the Impact Factor (IF) value of each journal was recorded. Sixty-six papers were identified, and 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only three studies had caries lesion development as outcome, all the others reported caries risk factors as interim evaluation. Using the CONSORT Score, the papers were coded as 4 excellent, 9 good and 10 poor. The mean IF value recorded was 1.438. Probiotics may play a role as antagonistic agent on mutans streptococci (MS), acidogenic/aciduric bacteria that contributes to the caries process. In two-thirds of the selected papers, probiotics have demonstrated the capacity to reduce MS counts in saliva and/or plaque in short-term. The effect of probiotics on the development of caries lesion seems encouraging, but to date, RCTs on this topic are insufficient to provide scientific clinical evidence.

Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DD2 against oral pathogens

“…Although many studies have explored the use of LAB for the benefit of oral health, there are currently no comprehensive or standardized in vitro protocols for screening novel oral probiotics [5,13,23]. Probiotic candidates have been routinely screened based on their ability to survive in an artificial host barrier system such as with stimulation of gastric acid or enzymatic stresses [4].…”

“…These effects are thought to be exerted via enhancement of intestinal functions or inhibition of metabolic diseases caused by intestinal dysbiosis [3,4]. Despite the fact that the oral cavity is the first point of contact between probiotics and the host system [5], few studies have directly investigated the effects of probiotics on the oral cavity.…”

The Growth ofStreptococcus Mutansin Different Milks for Infant Feeding

“…In vitro studies showed that probiotic strains may affect the oral ecology by preventing the adherence of other bacteria to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite and by modifying the composition of the salivary pellicle (16). Other mechanisms of action for probiotics on oral health are described in literature, including adhesion, co-aggregation, competitive inhibition, production of organic acids and bacteriocin-like compounds and immune-modulation (17). In particular, the enhanced resistance to oral infections could be obtained through the interaction among probiotics, oral epithelium and saliva.…”

Effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention of carious lesions during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.

“…36 The focus on these species is due to their production in the dairy industry, showing a symContreras P, Kay J, Burgos C, Contreras C & Huber H.…”