Probiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease

Abstract

Periodontitis is caused by Gram-negative anaerobic microorganisms, which in a susceptible host can lead to destruction of the supporting tissues of the
teeth. Periodontitis treatment consists of mechanical debridement for removal of pathogens. However, recolonization occurs within weeks and the installation of a more pathogenic microbiota occurs in months. As probiotic bacteria compete with bacteria that cause injury to health, probiotics have been considered as a new therapeutic modality in the treatment of periodontal disease. Probiotics have two main mechanisms of action: one related to bacterial colonization and another related to the modulation of host response.