PROBİOTİCS AND ORAL HEALTH

Bacteria known as probiotics have been added to various foods because of their beneficial effects for human health. probiotics are used today in many disease or pathological conditions. most clinical trials shows the effects of probiotics in the treatment of systemic infectious diseases. the most commonly used probiotic bacterial strains belong to the genera lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, propionibacterium and streptecoccus. mechanisms of the action of probiotics are respect to the production of an antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms and the effects in host's immune system. however, many studies have been conducted on the use of probiotics to contribute oral health. probiotics can be effective in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease and oral infections, such as halitosis. more information is needed on the potential beneficial effects of probiotics in oral pathology. this article summarizes the currently available data on the potential benefits of probiotics for oral health.