Effect of probiotics on prevention and treatment of gingivitis in humans and small animals

Periodontal diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent oral diseases in humans, dogs and cats. gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of gingiva. Failure to prevent and treat gingivitis often leads to periodontitis. Probiotics are living microorganisms that, if adequately and properly administered, promote the health of the host. This study aimed to review clinical trials and pilot studies on effect of probiotics on gingivitis in humans , dogs and cats. Tooth brushing is difficult and time-consuming for the owner and pets and is not used much. Prolonged use of mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine causes side effects such as tooth stains and reduced quality of mucus and saliva. Probiotic strains can be suitable alternatives to chlorhexidine. The adjuvant effects of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis have been extensively investigated in clinical trials and reviewed in this article. According to studies performed , the use of probiotics, including S. salivarius strain, prevented the growth of bacteria that cause gingivitis. Probiotics can replace bacterial pathogens and reduce the risk of periodontal damage due to their adhesion and colony formation in the gums. Administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri also significantly reduced gingival bleeding. The results of a study on dogs and cats showed that the use of three living strains of probiotic bacteria orally prevents the growth of infectious bacteria in the mouth of pets. Probiotics can reduce the level of inflammatory mediators and host catabolic enzymes , thus regulate the host response to gingivitis. In general, probiotics are effective in preventing gingivitis, plaque accumulation and improving periodontal health and can improve the results of gingivitis treatment at the clinical, microbiological and inflammatory markers. Finally, the use of probiotics can be an easy and simple way to improve oral health and increase quality of life. However, more research is needed to obtain more information on the effects of probiotics on immune modulation, different species, and the delivery protocols of probiotics in cases of gingivitis.

Keywords:

Probiotics , gingivitis , humans , small animals