Studies on the Oral Disease Improvement Effects of Probiotics : A Review

Abstract

This study is a review of research articles on the characteristics of probiotics. Probiotics are effective at ameliorating immune disease, alleviating glucose intolerance, and improving constipation and diarrhea. Furthermore, they have anticancer and antitumor effects, preventive effects against cardiovascular disease, antidiabetic effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects, and they produce useful metabolites. It has been demonstrated that oral probiotics are effective in eliminating halitosis and forming a favorable oral ecosystem, by creating an environment that is not readily inhabited by harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which produces lactic acid and causes tooth decay, or Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes gum disease.As a result, oral probiotics are being considered not only as therapeutics against diseases, but also as preventive agents for the maintenance of a healthy oral balance. In spite of some limitations, clinical trials are currently underway, and this study can provide evidence to support the use of probiotics to improve oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and Candida colonization.