Can acids produced from probiotics demineralize the tooth and cause progression of caries: a critical review

Aditi Chopra; Swagata Saha; Shobha Kamath; Karthik Sivaraman

doi:10.7126/cumudj.963086

EN

Can acids produced from probiotics demineralize the tooth and cause progression of caries: a critical review

Abstract

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms which that provide various health benefits to the host upon administration in adequate amounts. Lactobacilli, Propionibacterium, and Bifidobacterium are common “Lactic Acid-producing bacteria (LAB)” present in various probiotic formulations. These probiotic bacteria release many organic acids, mainly lactic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid into their surrounding environment. Increased concentration of these inorganic and organic acids reduces the saliva’s critical pH to below 5.5, and initiates demineralization. Thus, the present review aims to critically appraise the existing evidence on this emerging clinical perspective and double edged nature of the probiotic bacteria, and explain as to how probiotic supplements increase the risk of tooth decay. Results: Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium were associated with rampant caries in preschool children and progression of caries. All probiotics were acidogenic as they decreased the pH of the saliva, demineralized and eroded the enamel. Probiotics also release extracellular polysaccharides that help to release essential elements like calcium and phosphorous from the enamel surface. The lactic acid-producing efficiency of probiotics is increased when combined with supragingival plaque. Low pH was attributed to the interaction of Lactobacilli with other microorganisms. Conclusion: Acids release from probiotics bacteria can lower the critical pH of the oral cavity to below five, and play a role in demineralization of the tooth and progression of caries.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Aditi Chopra ^*
0000-0003-4805-5943
India

Swagata Saha
0000-0002-2343-5977
India

Shobha Kamath
0000-0002-9896-0872
India

Karthik Sivaraman
0000-0002-1512-6488
India

Publication Date

March 25, 2022

Submission Date

August 10, 2021

Acceptance Date

February 4, 2022

Published in Issue

Year 2022 Volume: 25 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.963086

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA37CF25PM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Chopra A, Saha S, Kamath S, Sivaraman K (March 1, 2022) Can acids produced from probiotics demineralize the tooth and cause progression of caries: a critical review. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 25 1 83–90.

Cited By

Not a miracle, not a myth: The role of probiotics in periodontal health

Periodontology 2000

https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.70039

Öz

Can acids produced from probiotics demineralize the tooth and cause progression of caries: a critical review

Abstract

Keywords

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite

Cited By

Not a miracle, not a myth: The role of probiotics in periodontal health