- Abstract -

Probiotics are living microorganisms that beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance. While the role of probiotics in preventive and therapeutic medicine is firmly established, only limited research is available on its effect on oral health. Recent findings have however suggested that strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may inhibit mutans streptococci and candida species in the oral cavity. The present overview focuses on vehicles, installation in the mouth and possible benefits on oral ecology. Although an increasing number of studies suggest a role of lactobacilli-derived probiotics on caries pathogens, its efficacy as a preventive measure is still to be determined in randomized controlled trials.

Key words: bacteriotherapy; bifidobacteria; lactobacilli; oral health; probiotics