Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation · Cariogenic bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans reference strains) and oral biofilms in vitro
No meta-analysis was conducted; the narrative synthesis reported inhibition of Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation.
1 finding from 1 review
Virulence-gene expression related to adhesion acid production and exopolysaccharide synthesis · Cariogenic bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans reference strains) and oral biofilms in vitro
No meta-analysis was conducted; the narrative synthesis reported reduced expression of Streptococcus mutans virulence genes.
1 finding from 1 review
OLT, VSC and breath print scores · Adolescents and adults aged over 16 years with clinical or self-assessed halitosis of oral origin; excluding induced or physiological…
1 finding from 1 review
OLT and VSC scores · Adolescents and adults aged over 16 years with clinical or self-assessed halitosis of oral origin; excluding induced or physiological…
1 finding from 1 review
Cariogenic bacteria (Mutans streptococci) · Orthodontic patients (any age) undergoing orthodontic treatment (mostly fixed appliances)
Probiotic mouthwash has inconsistent effects on Mutans streptococci colony counts versus blank control; the evidence is very uncertain (very low certainty).
1 finding from 1 review
Volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), gas chromatography · Adolescents and adults aged over 16 years with clinical or self-assessed halitosis of oral origin; excluding induced or physiological…
1 finding from 1 review
Dental caries · Primary school children in Ethiopia
A significant salivary microbial (Lactobacillus) load was associated with higher odds of dental caries (OR 3.82, 95% CI 3.439-4.192; ungraded).
1 finding from 1 review
OR 3.82 [3.439, 4.192]
Studies not reported
GRADE not reported
Downregulation of S. mutans virulence/biofilm gene expression (gtfB, gtfC, ftf) · Cariogenic bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans reference strains) and oral biofilms in vitro
Postbiotics reduce expression of S. mutans biofilm/virulence genes (gtfB, gtfC, ftf) in vitro (ungraded narrative synthesis).
1 finding from 1 review
Postbiotics and Dental Caries: A Systematic Review. 2025 All outcomesExposure 24 h to 7 days · Laboratory (in vitro)
Postbiotics downregulated expression of S. mutans virulence and exopolysaccharide-synthesis genes (e.g., gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, ftf) in 10 in vitro studies; no pooled estimate.
8 studies
GRADE not reported
Proposed inhibition of S. mutans adhesion to tooth surface (mechanism; direct adherence endpoint confirmed only in Ahn 2018) · Cariogenic bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans reference strains) and oral biofilms in vitro
Postbiotics inhibit S. mutans adhesion to tooth surfaces in vitro (ungraded narrative synthesis).
1 finding from 1 review
Reduced enamel demineralization · Cariogenic bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans reference strains) and oral biofilms in vitro
A single in vitro study found postbiotics reduce enamel demineralization (ungraded).
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus spp. salivary/plaque counts (cariogenic microbiota) · Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP)
A meta-analysis found no significant difference in mean Lactobacillus spp. levels between children with and without CLP, with high heterogeneity; the evidence is ungraded.
1 finding from 1 review
Intervention not reported
Change in Lactobacillus spp. in dental plaque
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus spp. mean levels/counts · Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP)
No significant difference in Lactobacillus spp. presence was reported; GRADE was not reported.
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus count (CFU/mL) · Children and/or adolescents (<18 years) without background systemic disease
Probiotics may make little to no difference to Lactobacillus count versus control (MD -0.78 CFU/mL, 95%CI -1.65 to 0.09; very low certainty).
1 finding from 1 review
Intervention not reported
Cariogenic microbiota counts (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp.)
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus count (pre- vs post-treatment) · Medically healthy individuals (adults and children, 6-60 years)
Placebo rinse did not significantly change Lactobacillus counts relative to baseline; not GRADE-rated.
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus count (pre- vs post-treatment) · Medically healthy individuals (adults and children, 6-60 years)
Salvadora persica rinse reduced Lactobacillus counts relative to baseline; not GRADE-rated.
1 finding from 1 review
Lactobacillus count (CFU/mL) · Medically healthy individuals (adults and children, 6-60 years)
Salvadora persica rinse reduced Lactobacillus counts more than placebo (favours Salvadora persica); not GRADE-rated.
1 finding from 1 review