Role of Probiotics in Orthodontics

Review Article Role of Probiotics in Orthodontics Kour S, Verma VK, Sachan A, Singh K, Arora A, Kaur G Abstract: Enamel demineralization leading to white spot lesions is the most common problem faced during or after orthodontic treatment. Various methods have been suggested to prevent enamel demineralization among which fluorides are the most common, but they also have some disadvantages. Now-a days probiotics are proving to be very beneficial for oral health in preventing gingivitis, halitosis and caries. Probiotics are “live microbial food supplements which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Probiotic therapy with the concept of using good bacterias to replace the harmful ones emerged as a fascinating field with the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance. Probiotics have been in practice for several years in general health. Interest has been drawn towards oral health in the recent years. The studies conducted on oral health suggest that probiotics could be a viable option in preventing and treating the enamel demineralization by reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria i.e streptococcus mutans. This article updates the available data on the potential benefits of probiotics for orthodontic patients.