Dental Caries: Biochemical Aspects, Management and Treatment Using Probiotics and Prebiotics-An Updated Review

Background: Dental caries, a common and concerning global public health issue, affects millions, including both primary and permanent dentition cases. The primary bacteria responsible for dental caries, Streptococcus mutans, creates biofilms that enable the bacteria to thrive and cause tooth decay. Current prevention strategies include dietary modifications, physical cleaning, and chemical treatments, but these are not always sufficient due to modern diets rich in sugars. Probiotic and postbiotic treatments, which aim to balance the oral microbiota and reduce the virulence of cariogenic bacteria, have become promising alternatives.Aim: This review aims to explore the biochemical mechanisms involved in dental caries, the effectiveness of probiotics and postbiotics in preventing and managing dental caries by targeting the biofilm formation and virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic bacteria.Methods: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of action, application status, and challenges associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in dental care. The review examines recent studies on the impact of these microbial preparations on dental health, focusing on their role in biofilm disruption and bacterial growth inhibition.Results: Probiotics, postbiotics, and related microbial preparations have shown promise in reducing the growth of cariogenic bacteria such as S. mutans and preventing biofilm formation. These treatments promote a balanced oral microbiota, inhibiting the acid-producing and tooth-damaging activities of harmful bacteria. New advancements highlight the importance of targeting specific virulence factors of S. mutans for more effective treatments.Conclusion: Microbial-based interventions, including probiotics and postbiotics, represent a viable strategy for preventing and managing dental caries. These treatments offer a less invasive, more targeted approach compared to traditional methods. However, further research is needed to standardize their use and ensure consistent, effective outcomes in dental caries prevention.