Uso de probióticos como coadjuvantes na terapia periodontal

Abstract

The oral cavity is described as a dynamic ecosystem, which undergoes environmental changes and presents persistent interactions in which the dinner microbiota limits the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. The imbalance of it is constantly related to diseases that may come to affect the oral cavity, such as periodontal diseases. In cases where the disease persists and presents a destructive picture of bone loss, some resources can be used in conjunction with conventional periodontal therapy (root scraping and straightening), such as the use of antibiotics. However, in several studies decribed in the literature, an increase in bacterial resistance to these drugs has been observed. Thus, the search for alternative therapies and adjuvants to the treatment of periodontal disease increased. Among the alternatives, probiotics offered positive results in the treatment and maintenance of oral health. For probiotics to be used safely, it is essential that further studies with long-term clinical trials with significant sample size are carried out, aiming at ensuring the administration vehicles, strains, dosages and frequency of administration of probiotic strains. The present study is a literature review with a qualitative methodological approach and aimed to evidence the use of probiotics as an alternative means of treatment of periodontal disease, through the analysis of results of selected scientific studies. Seventy-four articles that were related to the theme in the last 10 years and considered classical sources were included. Based on this review, most authors who presented satisfactory results of the use of probiotics related mechanical therapy prior to the administration of the selected probiotic strain, observing improvements in periodontal indices. On the other hand, other authors did not observe significant differences in their studies. Thus, it is possible to conclude that probiotic therapy may present a positive potential acting as an adjunct to concencional therapy of periodontal disease, but there is no standardization on which strain to use, the means of administration and the time of use. The level of evidence has been growing, however, this subject still lacks further studies.