Volume 8, Issue 3 (Accepted manuscript 2026)
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Soleimani G, Ghaznavi A. Probiotics and Their Therapeutic Applications in Dental Plaque Management: An Overview of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. pbp 2026; 8 (3)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-435-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-435-en.html
1- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,aisanghaznavi@yahoo.com
2- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,
Abstract: (32 Views)
Objective: Dental plaque is a complex microbial biofilm recognized as a major etiological factor in the development of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases. Probiotics have recently gained attention as a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy due to their ability to modulate the oral microbiome, inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, and interfere with biofilm formation. This review aimed to identify and evaluate probiotic strains with potential applications in the prevention and management of dental plaque.
Methods: In this narrative review, relevant studies published between 2010 and 2026 were retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were selected based on their relevance to the preventive and therapeutic roles of probiotics in controlling dental plaque formation and maintaining oral microbial homeostasis.
Results: The reviewed evidence suggests that probiotics may contribute to dental plaque management by reducing biofilm formation and limiting microbial colonization on tooth surfaces. Several probiotic strains, particularly those belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit oral pathogens and promote a more balanced microbial environment within the oral cavity. Clinical studies have reported improvements in plaque indices and gingival inflammatory parameters following probiotic supplementation in selected populations. However, the effectiveness of probiotics appears to depend on strain specificity, dosage, treatment duration, and formulation characteristics. Preclinical investigations have further elucidated potential mechanisms of action, including inhibition of bacterial adhesion, disruption of biofilm maturation, production of antimicrobial compounds, and competitive exclusion of pathogenic species. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity among studies has contributed to inconsistent findings regarding the overall efficacy of probiotics. Collectively, current evidence indicates that probiotics may represent a promising complementary approach for the prevention and control of dental plaque.
Conclusion: By modulating the oral microbial ecosystem and suppressing pathogenic bacteria, probiotics may serve as an effective adjunctive strategy for preventing dental plaque accumulation and improving oral health outcomes. Considering the variability among probiotic strains and differences in clinical responses, further well-designed randomized clinical trials are warranted to determine optimal strains, dosages, treatment durations, and suitable probiotic formulations.
Methods: In this narrative review, relevant studies published between 2010 and 2026 were retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were selected based on their relevance to the preventive and therapeutic roles of probiotics in controlling dental plaque formation and maintaining oral microbial homeostasis.
Results: The reviewed evidence suggests that probiotics may contribute to dental plaque management by reducing biofilm formation and limiting microbial colonization on tooth surfaces. Several probiotic strains, particularly those belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit oral pathogens and promote a more balanced microbial environment within the oral cavity. Clinical studies have reported improvements in plaque indices and gingival inflammatory parameters following probiotic supplementation in selected populations. However, the effectiveness of probiotics appears to depend on strain specificity, dosage, treatment duration, and formulation characteristics. Preclinical investigations have further elucidated potential mechanisms of action, including inhibition of bacterial adhesion, disruption of biofilm maturation, production of antimicrobial compounds, and competitive exclusion of pathogenic species. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity among studies has contributed to inconsistent findings regarding the overall efficacy of probiotics. Collectively, current evidence indicates that probiotics may represent a promising complementary approach for the prevention and control of dental plaque.
Conclusion: By modulating the oral microbial ecosystem and suppressing pathogenic bacteria, probiotics may serve as an effective adjunctive strategy for preventing dental plaque accumulation and improving oral health outcomes. Considering the variability among probiotic strains and differences in clinical responses, further well-designed randomized clinical trials are warranted to determine optimal strains, dosages, treatment durations, and suitable probiotic formulations.
Keywords: Oral cavity, Dental health, Oral diseases, Probiotics, Oral microbiota, Modern therapeutic approaches
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Phytomedicine
Received: 2026/08/10 | Accepted: 2026/08/10 | Published: 2026/01/11
Received: 2026/08/10 | Accepted: 2026/08/10 | Published: 2026/01/11
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