TITLE:
The Efficacy of Probiotics as an Adjunctive Therapy in Periodontal Treatment: A Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Imane Sabili, Tarik Rochd
KEYWORDS:
Probiotics, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Adjunctive Therapy, Oral Microbiome, and Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Periodontal diseases, stemming from microbial imbalances and chronic inflammation, represent a significant global health challenge. While traditional mechanical debridement forms the cornerstone of treatment, adjunctive therapies are often necessary to achieve optimal and lasting periodontal health. This literature review evaluates the current evidence on probiotics as an adjunct to initial periodontal treatment, focusing on their efficacy in improving clinical parameters and modulating the oral microbiome. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases was performed across multiple electronic databases, compiling studies conducted on humans, published in English between 2020 and 2025. Using terms related to probiotics, gingivitis, periodontitis, adjunctive therapy, the oral microbiome, and specific probiotic genera. Fourteen relevant articles, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and a scoping review, were identified and narratively synthesized. The reviewed studies collectively indicate that probiotics contribute to significant improvements in clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Microbiologically, probiotics were shown to reduce key periodontopathogens, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia, and foster a healthier oral microbial balance. Furthermore, specific probiotic strains demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, contributing to reduced inflammation. Despite promising findings, considerable heterogeneity exists across studies regarding probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment durations. In conclusion, probiotics represent a valuable and evolving adjunctive strategy in non-surgical periodontal therapy, offering a biological approach to mitigate dysbiosis and inflammation. While continued research with standardized protocols is essential to optimize their clinical application, current evidence supports their integration to enhance patient outcomes and promote overall oral health.Subject AreasGlobal Health