The Use of Probiotics in Dental Medicine

The term probiotic was first used in 1965. And it literally holds a meaning “for life” to describe “a matter that microorganisms secret to stimulate the growth of other” thus giving the contrast to the term antibiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms which reside in gastrointestinal and urogenital mucosa that benefit the health and boost vitality. Most commonly used genera of bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteriae. The probiotics most recognized role is in restoring the balance in oral microflora in the situation when pathogen species of bacteria start to surmount. They accomplish that by competing for the adherent space, and for the source of food with pathogen bacteria and by changing oral cavity conditions. Also, they possess antimicrobial and imunomodifying characteristics. They prove great results fighting periodontal disease, halitosis, candidiasis as well as in preventing caries. Most of commerically available genera of probiotics (yogurt, milk shakes, pills etc.) are considered safe, but there is a certain part of population at risk