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.
Highlights
Dental caries still remains one of the most common diseases worldwide, a decline of the prevalence has been recorded in western countries [1,2,3]
The studies included in the present review are Randomized Clinical Trials assessing the in vivo role of probiotics administration on caries lesion development and on caries risk factors control
No differences were observed between the two main databases used
Summary
Dental caries still remains one of the most common diseases worldwide, a decline of the prevalence has been recorded in western countries [1,2,3]. The disease is triggered by the interaction over time among cariogenic microorganisms (mainly mutans streptococci and lactobacilli), a diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates and host factors, like as saliva secretion rate and buffering capacity [4]. In recent years, it was described that the microflora on the tooth surface changes with caries lesion development, from a predominance of non-mutans streptococci and Actinomyces spp. to dominance of MS and other non-mutans bacteria, including lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp. When sugared food/drinks are supplied frequently, acidogenic and aciduric strains increase selectively in the oral environment. These changes, over time, shift the demineralization/remineralization balance toward net mineral loss, leading to the caries lesion development [6]. Antibacterial agents are administered in order to reduce cariogenic micro-flora, a complete eradication of caries-associated microorganisms has proved to be difficult and almost impossible to obtain [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
