THE EFFICACY OF ADJUNCTIVE PROBIOTIC THERAPY FOR THE NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PERIODONTITIS

Abstract

Background: Probiotics are thought to be beneficial microbes that influence health-related outcomes through host immunomodulation and modulation of the bacteriome. Although the literature is replete with studies demonstrating its efficacy, the use of probiotics in dentistry continues to polarise opinion. Scientific rationale: Adjunctive probiotics have potential clinical benefits, and the studies reviewed suggest that these are more likely to be due to the immunomodulatory effect on the host rather than direct modulation of the microbiome. The most promising application is as an adjunct for the non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease.