The effects of probiotics on the gut are well known, but it should also be noted that they can also improve oral health.
A study by Millar et al.; was one of the first studies to use different microorganisms for dental purposes, and it was later shown that the number of oral pathogens was reduced by the use of probiotics, especially Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Researchers in Moscow have now found that taking probiotics has a positive effect on dental plaque accumulation.
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral probiotics containing Streptoccus salivarius K12 strain on the salivary level of secreted immunoglobulin A (SlgA), based on saliva and oral biofilm. Immunoglobulin A is an antibody protein that is located in the mucosa and plays an important role in the immune system, so it is the first line of defense against colds, viruses, and diseases.
Patients were divided into two groups, half of whom were taking a placebo and the other half were taking probiotics. They were all asked to brush their teeth twice a day using a toothpaste without any antibacterial or anti-plaque. All of them should have more than 20 permanent teeth and no chronic disease, and should not take supplements or antibiotics for a month during the study. They took one lozenge a day for four weeks and then two weeks without evaluating the initial results.
After six weeks, non-stimulatory salivary secretion, SIgA concentration, and results were evaluated.
Significant reduction of plaque
No increase in IgA and salivary flow in the probiotic group; Not observed in comparison with the placebo group. However, a significant reduction in plaque accumulation was seen in the probiotic group in the fourth and sixth weeks.
The oral cavity is the second largest microbiome in the human body. The microbial community hosts more than 700 species based on the interaction of microorganisms with the host environment as well as their interaction with each other. A healthy oral cavity is characterized by a dynamic balance between non-infectious (commensal) and opportunistic (decaying) microorganisms. This balance is upset by a high-carbohydrate diet, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and systemic diseases.
The imbalance of opportunistic microorganisms including various types of streptococci and lactobacilli, actinomycetes, bacteroides, and bifidobacteria, can lead to tooth decay, the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. In this regard, one of the possible ways to deal with tooth decay is to replace these microorganisms with non-infectious ones. This can be done by using medications or supplements that restore the balance of microflora oral and probiotics.
The most commonly used probiotics by dentists are strains that often fail to colonize oral tissues, leading to the development of a new generation of probiotic strains containing streptococci, the researchers said. This study requires further research on a larger scale due to the related limitations like short periods of probiotic intake. In addition, although probiotics may affect different salivary components, we only evaluated their effect on a single protein, sIgA, having assumed that this parameter is the most sensitive one to probiotic consumption.
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