Probiotics and Oral Health

, even the mouth hosts a large population of microorganisms. Some of these have beneficial effects, others are considered pathogenic, still others can dress the loaves of one or the other according to the circumstances.

Below we will go into more detail, trying to understand if the intake of probiotics can be considered a valid measure to improve the health of the mouth.

But let's start with a short but important paragraph on the relationship between hosted microbiota and host tissue.

, skin, nose, eyes, ears, mouth, esophagus, nails, bronchi, lungs and colon are home to a large population of microorganisms.

There is a relationship of mutual collaboration between the hosted microorganisms and the host tissue. Certain bacteria and yeasts are free of:

• nourish ourselves by releasing molecules that are useful for us;
• multiply but only within certain limits (therefore self-regulating);

thus preventing the proliferation of further more aggressive species and strains.

The differentiation between physiological and pathological is also often difficult to establish; sometimes this distinction even varies according to general conditions.

What is usually normal, therefore positive, in some situations can become anomalous and potentially negative; after all, compromises are not always easy to maintain.

In the event that either party fails to offer the right contribution or lets your guard down, the balance can be compromised to the detriment of both - in the long term.

, initiate digestion, communicate, ventilate, disperse heat, fight.

Note: in biology, the oral cavity is one of the hallmarks of a "complete" digestive system.

The mouth forms the upper end of the alimentary canal or digestive tract and is made up of two regions, the vestibule and the oral cavity proper.

The oral cavity is bounded on the outside by the lips and on the inside by the pharynx; in higher vertebrates, it contains tongue and teeth.

The oral mucosa is the epithelium that lines the inside of the mouth; it performs various functions, such as the absorbent and secretory functions, and is populated by a vast but physiological microbiota.

The role of the buccal bacterial flora is above all to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that could attack the mucosa or descend (from the pharynx to the larynx and beyond).

However, the excessive presence of food residues can - especially in the presence of unfavorable pH - facilitate the aggression of the microbiota on the teeth, generating tartar, plaque and caries.

with probiotics it is mainly associated with intestinal health; this is because, historically, clinical interest has focused more on the prevention and treatment of infections and diseases of this portion of the digestive system.

In the last decade, the use of probiotics to improve oral health has increased significantly. This is because the metabolic activity of certain bacteria, in particular lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, can have proven benefits for the mouth.

The mechanisms of action of probiotics taken orally are basically three:

• Normalization of the intestinal microbiota;
• Modulation of the immune response;
• Metabolic effects.

The impact of probiotics on the oral cavity could be similar to that described for the intestine.

Ways probiotics could affect oral health are:

1. Competition for membership sites;
2. Aggregation;
3. Competition for nutrient substrate and growth factors;
4. Production of antimicrobial compounds such as certain acids;
5. Enhance the immune response e.g. and improve the production of IgA and defesin;
6. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis;
7. Reduction of MMP production.

Furthermore:

• Points 1 and 2 inhibit adhesion and improve clearance;
• All points participate in inhibiting the growth of pathogens and other effects related to the ecology of dental plaque *;
• Points 5, 6 and 7 affect the local and systemic immune response.