Probiotics: Contribution to Oral Health Goel Richa1,*, Vedi Archita1, Goyal Prachi2 1Senior Lecturer, (Public Health Dentistry), M.M College of Dental Sciences & Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 2Senior Lecturer, (Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry), M.M College of Dental Sciences & Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana *Address for correspondence: Richa Goel Email id: drrichagoel@gmail.com
Online published on 20 June, 2014. Abstract Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. Traditionally, probiotics have been associated with gut health and most clinical interest has been focused on their use for prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections and diseases; however, during the last decade investigators have also suggested the use of probiotics for oral health purposes. In oral cavity, probiotics can create a biofilm acting as a protective lining for oral tissues against oral diseases, such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and halitosis. Although only few clinical studies have been conducted so far, the results to date suggest that probiotics could be useful in preventing and treating oral infections, including dental caries, periodontal disease and halitosis. The present review tries to briefly outline the potential role of probiotics in improving oral health. Top Keywords Halitosis, Microorganisms, Oral health, Probiotics, Prevention. Top |