Effect of Probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum on Caries and Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review.

2024-04-10
Dentistry journal 12(4)
- Silvia D'Agostino
- Giulia Valentini
- Francesca Iarussi
- Marco Dolci

PubMed: 38668014
DOI: 10.3390/dj12040102

Study Design

Type: Review
Sample size: n = 15
Methods: Systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, registered on PROSPERO, searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using PICO format, screened by two reviewers independently.

Caries and periodontitis are the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Major factors contributing to the development of these oral conditions include poor oral hygiene, dental biofilm formation, high carbohydrates diet, smoking, other systemic diseases, and genetic factors. Various preventive measures have been established to mitigate the risk of caries and periodontal disease development. The present review aims to discuss the role of the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum in the prevention and treatment of caries and periodontal diseases. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. The search involved PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus and considered the PICO format. Studies were screened by two reviewers independently, and disagreements were solved by consensus with a third reviewer. Data extraction included details about the type of probiotics, strains, and purpose of administration. A total of 15 RCTs were included, of which just 1 was about tooth cavities. Overall, 87% of the included studies were good-quality papers regarding the Jadad Scale. Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus plantarum→Improved Caries Prevention
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus plantarum→Improved Periodontal Disease Status
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus plantarum→Improved Periodontal Health
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus plantarum→Reduced Caries Incidence
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Improved Caries Prevention
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Improved Periodontal Disease Status
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Improved Periodontal Health
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus→Reduced Caries Incidence
Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small