Probiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: A systematic review
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Probiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: A systematic review
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:
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Praveen Jayaram, Anirban Chatterjee, Vinayak Raghunathan
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Probiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: A systematic review
Year: 2016 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.207053
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Periodontal disease is a complex, multi-faceted condition associated with biofilms of pathogenic bacteria that establish themselves in the mouth, contributing to inflammation and tissue destruction. Traditional treatments have included antibiotics and antiseptics, but over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the role of probiotics as an adjunctive treatment for periodontal disease. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut health and various inflammatory conditions, have been considered in the management of oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This review aims to evaluate existing research to determine whether the administration of probiotics provides lasting clinical benefits for periodontal disease.
2) Summary of One Important Concept: Short-Term Benefits with Limitations
While a number of studies have explored the impact of probiotics in periodontal treatment, the findings indicate primarily short-term benefits. Out of the thirteen reviewed studies, many reported reductions in gingival inflammation and probing depth, but did not demonstrate any sustained improvements over time. The research revealed significant variability in methodologies and interventions, with differing strains and dosages of probiotics being employed. Notably, while some studies using Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have shown promising results, there was also evidence of heterogeneity, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions regarding the most effective probiotic treatment approach.
3) Conclusion
In conclusion, the current evidence highlights that probiotics may offer limited and temporary improvements in managing periodontal disease, necessitating further research to establish their efficacy and potential long-term effects. The studies reviewed often featured small sample sizes and heterogeneous methodologies, prompting calls for more rigorous and uniform clinical trials to mitigate variability in outcomes. As probiotics would likely need to be administered consistently or in booster doses to maintain benefits, a thorough examination of their safety and effectiveness in everyday clinical settings devoid of industry influence remains crucial for future research in this area.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the review on probiotics?
The review investigates the lasting clinical benefits of probiotics in treating periodontal disease, assessing human randomized placebo-controlled trials to determine their effectiveness.
What were the findings regarding the clinical benefits of probiotics?
Most studies indicated only short-term improvements in gingival inflammation and probing depth, with no lasting clinical benefits observed over time.
How many studies were analyzed in the review on probiotics?
The review analyzed a total of fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria, focusing on the use of probiotics in treating periodontal disease.
What strains of probiotics were studied for periodontal disease treatment?
The review included four strains: Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus rhamnosus with Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus reuteri.
What recommendations are made for future research on probiotics?
Future studies should have larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and a uniform methodology to minimize heterogeneity in results.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Probiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: A systematic review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition of a living organism characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms. In the context of the text, periodontal disease is a major focus, highlighting its impact on oral health and the exploration of possible treatments, including new approaches like probiotics.
2) Study (Studying):
A study is an investigation or analysis aimed at discovering new information or achieving a deeper understanding of a subject. In the text, numerous studies are reviewed to assess the efficacy of probiotics in treating periodontal disease, illustrating the systematic approach in evaluating scientific evidence.
3) Table:
A table is a systematic arrangement of data, often in rows and columns, used to present information clearly. Tables in the document, such as the CONSORT checklist, encapsulate essential study characteristics, facilitating comparisons and highlighting methodological aspects critical in evaluating the quality of research findings.
4) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury, infection, or irritation, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. Its role in periodontal disease is emphasized, as it correlates with gum health, leading to the investigation of treatments like probiotics aimed at reducing gingival inflammation and improving oral health outcomes.
5) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or grade of something, often evaluated in terms of effectiveness and reliability. In the text, quality refers to the adherence to reporting guidelines in studies on probiotics for periodontal disease, impacting the validity of findings and conclusions drawn regarding treatment efficacy.
6) Hand:
In the context of research, 'hand' refers to manual searching, which is the process of reviewing literature or databases personally rather than relying solely on automated searches. The text notes that hand searches were used to identify relevant studies on probiotics, ensuring a thorough examination of available evidence.
7) Language:
Language is the system of communication used by a particular community or country. The text specifies English as the language criterion for study inclusion, emphasizing the importance of accessible research in a globally recognized language for broader comprehension and utilization of scientific knowledge among healthcare professionals.
8) Observation:
Observation refers to the active acquisition of information through the senses or instruments. In scientific studies, it is pivotal, as the text outlines various observed effects of probiotics on periodontal disease variables, forming the basis for conclusions about treatment efficacy and guiding future research directions.
9) Bleeding:
Bleeding, in the context of periodontal health, refers to the loss of blood from the gums, often indicating inflammation or disease. The prevalence of bleeding during periodontal assessments serves as a vital clinical parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of probiotics as a treatment option against periodontal disease.
10) Reason:
Reason denotes a cause or justification for an action or belief. In the text, various reasons are explored regarding the observed outcomes of probiotic treatments, highlighting hypotheses and justifying the need for further studies to confirm or refute initial findings in periodontal research.
11) Animal:
Animal studies are research conducted on non-human species to gather insight into biological processes. The text discusses previous animal studies that demonstrated the potential benefits of specific probiotics in reducing periodontal disease, providing a foundational understanding that informs subsequent human clinical trials.
12) Pur:
Poor refers to a lack of quality or adequacy. In the context of research studies, poor quality can stem from flawed methodology or insufficient reporting standards, leading to unreliable findings. The text emphasizes that some studies did not meet quality criteria, raising concerns about the credibility of their results.
13) Calculation:
Calculation involves the use of mathematical methods to determine or estimate a quantity. In clinical studies, calculating sample size is crucial for ensuring statistical power and reliability of results. The text notes the significance of appropriate sample size calculation to avoid biases and enhance study validity in probiotic research.
14) Controversy:
Controversy encompasses public disagreement and debate over a particular issue. The text refers to ongoing controversy regarding the effectiveness and safety of probiotics for treating periodontal disease, underscoring the complexity of clinical outcomes and the need for robust research to address conflicting evidence in the field.
15) Discussion:
Discussion involves analyzing and interpreting study findings in relation to existing knowledge. The text provides a discussion section to synthesize the results of various studies on probiotics, contextualizing their implications for periodontal disease treatment and identifying gaps in the current understanding that warrant further exploration.
16) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The text references antibiotics as traditional adjuncts in periodontal therapy, highlighting their significance before considering alternative treatments like probiotics, which aim to provide a different approach to manage microbial imbalances in the oral cavity.
17) Substance:
Substance refers to a particular kind of matter with uniform properties. In the context of probiotics, the text discusses various probiotic substances considered in scientific studies, assessing their effectiveness in altering microbiological and inflammatory conditions associated with periodontal disease and their potential clinical impact.
18) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The text relates medicine to the field of dentistry, particularly in exploring innovative treatment options such as probiotics for managing periodontal disease, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of modern healthcare practices.
19) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the condition of carrying a developing fetus. In the text, the mention of pregnant individuals primarily concerns the complexities of study methodologies where probiotics were administered to pregnant mothers and their offspring, illustrating the need for rigorous controls in clinical research involving various population groups.
20) Species:
Species denote distinct organisms sharing common characteristics and genetic makeup. In probiotics research, identifying which bacterial species are effective against periodontal disease is critical, as the text discusses different strains and their outcomes, highlighting the importance of specificity in designing effective probiotic interventions.
21) Company:
Company refers to a business entity, often in the context of pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors. The text highlights that several studies on probiotics were funded by companies, prompting discussions about potential biases in the results and raising questions about the integrity of research findings in the field.
22) Nature:
Nature pertains to inherent characteristics or the essential qualities of something. The text mentions the nature of periodontal disease, emphasizing its polymicrobial origin and the complex interactiveness between bacteria and host response, which underpins the exploration of probiotics as a therapeutic option in dental medicine.
23) Doubt:
Doubt signifies uncertainty or lack of conviction. The text identifies lingering doubts amongst researchers regarding the efficacy of probiotics in periodontal disease, showcasing the necessity for comprehensive studies that address methodological concerns and yield clearer insights into whether probiotics can provide long-term benefits.
24) Field:
Field refers to a specific area of study or profession. The text pertains to the field of dentistry, particularly periodontal therapy, evaluating the role of probiotics. By examining existing research, it illustrates the integration of innovative approaches in an established medical field aimed at improving patient outcomes.
25) Sah:
Shah refers to an author of one of the studies reviewed in the text. By mentioning specific researchers, the credibility of the research is established, as their contributions provide evidence-based insights into the use of probiotics in periodontal treatment, thereby enhancing the discussion on clinical effectiveness.
26) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment, which can include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. In the text, while probiotics are considered alternative therapies for periodontal disease, they are juxtaposed against traditional drugs such as antibiotics, demonstrating the evolving landscape of dental treatments.
27) Life:
Life signifies the condition of being alive, encompassing biological processes. The text illustrates how studies influence real-life health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions like periodontal disease. Understanding these impacts shapes treatment modalities and enhances the quality of life for patients suffering from such health issues.