Probiotics in Dentistry

The term Probiotic means "for life". It is the substance secreted by one microorganisms which stimulates the growth of another. The intestinal tract of humans is host to vast ecology of microbes and harbours more than 500 identified species that can be cultured and many bacteria that cannot be cultured and properly identified. These bacteria which are necessary for health have the potential to contribute to the development of the diseases also by various mechanisms. In general, there are three general methods by which the intestinal microflora can be altered. Those are administration of antibiotics, Prebiotic( dietary components that promote the growth and metabolic activity of beneficial bacteria)and Probiotic (beneficial bacteria).