Use of Probiotics in Future Prevention and Treatment of Oral Infections

Abstract

The interest for probiotic bacteria to combat biofi lm-related diseases in the oral cavity has arisen during the last decade. The probiotic concept has successfully been used to control gastrointestinal diseases, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and acute infectious diarrhoea. The potential mechanisms of action in the oral cavity are not fully understood, but there are thoughts to be a local effect in the mouth and systemic effect through immune regulation. The purpose of this chapter is to summarise our current knowledge of the potential for probiotics to improve oral and dental health and to discuss its potential in the future prevention of oral diseases. Despite some limitations, the currently available clinical studies appear expectant, and there seem to be evidence of probiotics to improve oral conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis and the colonisation of Candida . However, more long-term clinical studies are needed before evidence-based guidelines can be released.

Er probiotika relevant for oral helse?

“…Andre kliniske forsøk har vist at candidatallet blir redusert både i saliva og plakk hos svake, eldre pasienter etter daglig bruk av probiotika sugetabletter (33). Jørgensen og Keller (34) summerer opp studier på dette området med at probiotiske bakterier i matvarer eller som tabletter kan redusere candidatallet og bety et skritt naermere en anbefaling om probiotisk supplement for pasienter med risiko for oral candidose (34)…”

“…Det understrekes at probiotika under alle omstendigheter må betraktes som et supplement til personlig og profesjonell profylakse og at slike produkter ikke må anbefales til helsemessige risikopasienter i tannlegepraksis (40). Denne oppfatning støttes av andre ledende forskere på dette området (34).…”