Abstract
This systematic review aims to identify probiotics and prebiotics for modulating oral bacterial species associated with mental disorders. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline, we search the electronic MEDLINE database published till January 2021 to identify the studies on probiotics and/or prebiotics for preventing and treating major oral dysbiosis that provokes mental disorders. The outcome of the search produces 374 records. After excluding non-relevant studies, 38 papers were included in the present review. While many studies suggest the potential effects of the oral microbiota on the biochemical signalling events between the oral microbiota and central nervous system, our review highlights the limited development concerning the use of prebiotics and/or probiotics in modulating oral dysbiosis potentially involved in the development of mental disorders. However, the collected studies confirm prebiotics and/or probiotics interest for a global or targeted modulation of the oral microbiome in preventing or treating mental disorders. These outcomes also offer exciting prospects for improving the oral health of people with mental disorders in the future.
Highlights
Accepted: 4 July 2021The oral cavity is an important bacterial gateway that plays a crucial role in the firststep digestion
Each study that met the inclusion criteria was analyzed to identify prebiotic compounds or probiotic strains and their effects on the oral microbial flora or immunological markers involved in mental disorders
Our review highlights the limited research regarding the use of prebiotics and/or probiotics in modulating oral dysbiosis in mental disorders
Summary
The oral cavity is an important bacterial gateway that plays a crucial role in the firststep digestion. Microorganisms from the air pass through the nose and mouth into the trachea and lungs, and colonize the oral cavity. They spread to the epithelial surfaces and the body via the bloodstream. Oral cavity is colonized by 50 to 100 billion bacteria [1], and they are responsible for many infectious diseases in the mouth, which include caries (tooth decay) and periodontitis (gum disease) [2,3]. Evidence confirms that oral bacteria are linked to many systemic diseases [4], such as cardiovascular disease [5], stroke [6], premature birth [7], diabetes [8], pneumonia [9], cancer development [10], kidney diseases [11], and mental disorders [12]
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