Progress in studies on application of probiotics in dentistry

The favourable effects of probiotics on human health have already been well documented. Their application in prophylaxis and therapy, especially of inflammatory diseases of alimentary tract (including antibiotic-associated diarrhoea) is not questioned any more. This study presents current data on the knowledge of the suitability of probiotic strains of the Lactobacillus genus for application in dentistry in adults with dental caries or chronic periodontitis. In the light of recent in vitro and in vivo studies, antagonistic effects of lactobacilli producing hydrogen peroxide toward cariopathogens and periopathogens were reviewed. The potential was analysed for using probiotic Lactobacillus strains in dentistry, pointing to their significance in prophylaxis and therapy of caries and chronic periodontitis.