Probiotic research in periodontal disease

Objective: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to elucidate the research status, hotspots, and emerging trends regarding the application of probiotics in periodontal disease. Methods: Publications from 2005 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, with search terms including “probiotics,” “periodontal disease,” “periodontitis,” and related synonyms. The complete records of the search results were exported in text format, and the collaboration networks and research hotspots were evaluated and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. Results: A total of 378 publications were included, with Brazil contributing the largest share. Meanwhile, China has gradually increased its output in this field over the past 5 years. Collaboration levels among authors, institutions, and countries remain relatively low, suggesting room for greater synergy. Recent clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of probiotic interventions in the management of periodontitis have yielded promising therapeutic results. Probiotics may exert their effects in the treatment of periodontal disease through mechanisms such as antimicrobial activity, immune regulation, and enhancement of periodontal tissue barrier functions. However, these findings remain preliminary due to limitations in the studies, including small sample sizes and the lack of robust evidence from large-scale, multicenter clinical investigations. Keyword analysis revealed evolving research hotspots and emerging areas, such as new probiotic strains and new delivery methods. Conclusion: Research on probiotics in periodontal disease is expanding, yet the field is still nascent. Future efforts should focus on strengthening collaboration, conducting larger clinical studies, and elucidating underlying mechanisms to validate efficacy and optimize therapeutic applications.