Evaluation of the effects of probiotic and postbiotic toothpastes for children on cariogenic dental biofilms: an in vitro study
Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, vol.50, no.5, pp.90-97, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 50 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.22514/jocpd.2026.118
- Journal Name: Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.90-97
- Keywords: Antibacterial, Biofilm, Postbiotic, Probiotic, Toothpaste
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially available probiotic-and postbiotic-containing toothpastes formulated for children on multispecies cariogenic biofilms under in vitro conditions. Methods: Multispecies biofilms composed of Streptococcus mutans ((American Type Culture Collection) ATCC 25175), Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 4646), and Scardovia wiggsiae ((German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures) DSM 22547) were formed on hydroxyapatite (HAP) discs. Seven experimental groups were evaluated, including a fluoride-containing positive control, a negative control, and commercially available probiotic-and postbiotic-containing children’s toothpastes. The biofilms were exposed to toothpaste slurries. Biofilm biomass and live/dead cell ratios were quantitatively evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with subsequent analysis through COMSTAT software. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: All toothpaste formulations significantly reduced live/dead bacterial biomass ratios compared with the negative control, while the fluoride-containing toothpaste (positive control) showed the strongest antibiofilm effect. Conclusions: Probiotic-and postbiotic-containing toothpastes modulated multispecies dental biofilm viability in vitro and may serve as complementary agents to fluoride-based formulations in pediatric oral care.