**4. Probiotic bacteria**

As it is mentioned in the introduction, probiotic bacteria consist of two main groups of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium*. The best growth environments for these two groups are anaerobic or minimal oxygen conditions, for example, in saliva, vagina, vegetable juices, and dairy products. Probiotic bacteria were used in a variety of ways over time. For example, and prevent food corruption, Today, these bacteria are also used in industrial food products such as milk, wine and vegetables [11]. The name probiotic comes from the Greek word *probosis*, which means for life. This word was first used in 1965 by Lily and Stool to describe the secreted material by microorganisms to stimulate the growth of other microorganisms. In 1974, Parker introduced the word to describe microorganisms controlling the intestinal microbial population [12–14]. Today, probiotic bacteria refer to viable microorganisms that control the microbial population of the gut. They have lots of positive effects on the health of the host such as reduced constipation, decreased blood cholesterol, and improved lactose tolerance and calcium intake [14].

### **5. Probiotic foods are functional foods**

Diets play an important role in health. These diets can play a leading role in reducing disease. Today, with increasing awareness of people about the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria, consumption of functional foods is increasing. But what are these foods? Functional foods are such food that promotes health [14]. A wide range of foods are included, but the most important ones are oligosaccharides and probiotic foods [15].

What are the main criteria for selecting probiotic food as functional? Functional food must have three items:

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*Oral Health by Using Probiotic Products DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86714*

**A.** Useful effects on the host **B.** High shelf life in the product **C.** Ability to survive the intestines

1.They have a different effect from a nutritional point.

3.Consuming them benefits the community and the consumer [15].

Probiotic foods not only have the main characteristics that are mentioned but

**6. Which foods have the best tissue for the transfer of probiotic bacteria** 

New food products are converted into probiotic foods by adding probiotic bacteria. These foods include a variety of different types such as cheese, ice cream, milk-based dessert, baby milk, and mayonnaise. In making these foods, the main thing is the texture of these foods. It can be said that among all foods, dairy products are known as the best option for the transmission of probiotic bacteria [17–20].

Probiotics can function through several mechanisms. Probiotic bacteria through colonization in the intestinal environment, connect to each other, using the food in the body before it is taken by pathogenic microorganisms so by creating competition, it eliminates pathogens. Also, probiotics, unlike many harmful bacteria, are capable of producing acid to survive in the regulation of the local

Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases, even though it is prevent-

Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis. They are manifested by bleeding on probing, swelling, color alterations, pain, and tooth mobility in

able. There are different reasons for dental caries such as such as maternal characteristics, environment, child's individual factors and epigenetics, and sugar and sugar-rich diet [10]. A usual feature for caries-promoting bacteria is that they are acidogenic and aciduric. One of the most caries-promoting bacteria is *Streptococcus mutans*. For this reason lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are excellent acid producers, since we can use probiotics several times a day and they are safe for infants [22].

**7. What are the main mechanism probiotics in the body?**

2.They reduce the risk of pathological illnesses.

also have more benefits. These features include:

**D.** Ability to produce antimicrobial agents

**F.** Nonpathogenicity and non-toxicity [16]

**to the human digestive system?**

and systemic immune system [21].

**8. Probiotics and dental caries**

**9. Probiotics and periodontal disease**

**E.** Stabilization of intestinal flora

*Oral Health by Using Probiotic Products*

**3. Probiotics background**

ling microorganisms in the body organs.

**4. Probiotic bacteria**

The mouth has a varied and heterogeneous microbial community. Oral health can be a state of being free from chronic mouth and tooth pain, such as oral and throat cancer, tooth loss, periodontal disease, and the other diseases that affect this tissue. The etiology of periodontal diseases and caries shows the prevalence of these both having microbial components. Host microbiota has important role in the individual's health. The theory from Nobel laureate Ilya Metchnikoff says "we fight

As we know, the presence of microorganisms in the body always had been a concern of a large group of scientists. Because the health of the oral and intestinal organs is depends on the balance of these microorganisms and their functioning [10]. For many years, scientists and doctors have been using antibiotics to improve the function of the oral cavity, lymph system, and intestinal organs and control the demographic of these microorganisms. However, the widespread use of antibiotics not only caused a lot of problems in the human body but also led to microorganisms exhibiting resistance and even in some cases caused new species in microorganisms. All these problems forced scientists and researchers to find new methods for control-

As it is mentioned in the introduction, probiotic bacteria consist of two main groups of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium*. The best growth environments for these two groups are anaerobic or minimal oxygen conditions, for example, in saliva, vagina, vegetable juices, and dairy products. Probiotic bacteria were used in a variety of ways over time. For example, and prevent food corruption, Today, these bacteria are also used in industrial food products such as milk, wine and vegetables [11]. The name probiotic comes from the Greek word *probosis*, which means for life. This word was first used in 1965 by Lily and Stool to describe the secreted material by microorganisms to stimulate the growth of other microorganisms. In 1974, Parker introduced the word to describe microorganisms controlling the intestinal microbial population [12–14]. Today, probiotic bacteria refer to viable microorganisms that control the microbial population of the gut. They have lots of positive effects on the health of the host such as reduced constipation, decreased blood

cholesterol, and improved lactose tolerance and calcium intake [14].

Diets play an important role in health. These diets can play a leading role in reducing disease. Today, with increasing awareness of people about the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria, consumption of functional foods is increasing. But what are these foods? Functional foods are such food that promotes health [14]. A wide range of foods are included, but the most important ones are oligosaccharides

What are the main criteria for selecting probiotic food as functional? Functional

**5. Probiotic foods are functional foods**

microbe with microbe" and has attracted numerous followers [10].

**2. Oral health**

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and probiotic foods [15].

food must have three items:


Probiotic foods not only have the main characteristics that are mentioned but also have more benefits. These features include:

