Evaluating the Impact of Kefir Consumption on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease: A Narrative Review.

Background/

Objectives

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most common illnesses in the oral cavity and represent a public health concern globally. In recent decades, diverse studies showed that Kefir, a traditional beverage that can be milk- or water-based, contains a complex microbial community and has health benefits. The goal of this review was to update the current knowledge of kefir consumption and its impact on oral health.

Methods

The search of a combination of keywords-kefir; dental caries; probiotics; microbiota; periodontal diseases; biofilm; and oral health-was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases for studies in human subjects. Discussion: The research suggests that kefir consumption may aid in decreasing counts of microorganisms typically associated with oral illness.

Conclusions

Kefir has the potential to inhibit certain oral pathogens and reduce biofilm formation by promoting diversity within the oral microbiota, suggesting that kefir could be a promising adjuvant treatment for dental caries and periodontal diseases by improving oral health.