Probiotic – An emerging therapy in recolonizing periodontal pocket

Abstract

One of the etiological factors in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is reduction or the absence of the so-called “beneficial bacteria”. Most of the globally applied treatment approach is based on subgingival bacterial elimination but recolonization with less pathogenic bacteria is seen within weeks. Therefore, researchers have started focusing on shifting the current treatment approach from specific bacterial elimination to restoring periodontal pocket with beneficial bacteria. This alteration in the ecology of niches from the one with the pathological plaque to the one with the biofilm of commensals can be achieved via subgingival application of probiotics. This article suggests the important prospects of subgingival delivery of probiotics in guiding periodontal recolonization with beneficial bacteria and emphasizes research in this study field.

Keywords

• Probiotics
• Local delivery
• Recolonization
• Periodontal pocket