Effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium in preventing dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#bifidobacterium #cariostatic-agents #dental-caries #humans #lactobacillus

Effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium in preventing dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hao et al., 2021 | Acta Odontol Scand | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hao Siyuan, Wang Jiahe, Wang Yan. Effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium in preventing dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Odontol Scand. 2021-Nov;79(8):613-622. doi:10.1080/00016357.2021.1921259

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium in dental caries prevention are controversial. Thus, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the preventive value of Bifidobacterium. METHODS: Eligible studies were identified from several databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Hand searches were also conducted in relevant bibliographies. We then extracted and pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) to analyze the anti-caries effect of Bifidobacterium with Stata 16.0 software. If the data obtained was not suitable for meta-analysis, qualitative descriptions were performed. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo control group, there was no statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli counts in saliva in the test group. Also, there were no significant differences in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in dental plaque and no significant difference in caries incidence in deciduous teeth. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the Bifidobacterium and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence demonstrates that Bifidobacterium is neither effective in reducing Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in the saliva or dental plaque nor in reducing the occurrence of caries in deciduous teeth. Evaluation of its safety requires further investigations. Therefore, Bifidobacterium is not a competent probiotic candidate to prevent dental caries.

Key Findings

Compared with the placebo control group, there was no statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli counts in saliva in the test group. Also, there were no significant differences in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in dental plaque and no significant difference in caries incidence in deciduous teeth. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the Bifidobacterium and control groups.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Bifidobacterium
  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Dental Caries
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus
  • Probiotics
  • Streptococcus mutans

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Retracted Publication
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09