Fifteen Years of Probiotic Therapy in the Dental Context: What Has Been Achieved?

ABSTRACT

Many oral diseases are driven by an ecological shift from a balanced microbial consortium to dysbiotic communities with reduced diversity. Probiotic bacteria offer an opportunity to prevent and manage conditions such as dental caries, periodontal conditions and candidiasis. Regular intakes may support a healthy microbiome via direct interference with the biofilm and systemically through modulation of the host’s immune response. Placebo-controlled trials have shown substantial beneficial effects but further research is needed for general treatment recommendations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Svante Twetman

Svante Twetman, DDS, Odont Dr, is a professor of cariology in the department of odontology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. His interest is in the prevention and treatment of biofilm mediated oral diseases. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.

Mette Rose Jørgensen

Mette Rose Jørgensen, DDS, PhD, is assistant professor in the section for oral medicine, department of odontology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr. Jørgensen received a part-time doctoral scholarship from BioGaia AB in Stockholm.

Mette Kirstine Keller

Mette Kirstine Keller, DDS, PhD, is an assistant professor in the section for pediatric dentistry in the department of odontology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr. Keller received a full doctoral scholarship from BioGaia AB in Stockholm.