Challenges and solutions in managing dental problems in children with autism

Table 14 Commonly used probiotics for dental caries prevention and treatment

Probiotic strain	Mechanism of action	Potential benefits in dental health
Lactobacillus reuteri	Inhibits S. mutans and P. gingivalis growth, reduces inflammation	Reduces dental caries and gum disease[142]
Streptococcus salivarius K12	Produces bacteriocins that inhibit odor-causing bacteria	Reduces halitosis and enhances oral immunity[144]
Lactobacillus paracasei	Competes with S. mutans for adhesion sites, modulates pH	Lowers risk of cavities and enamel demineralization[143]
Lactobacillus rhamnosus	Enhances salivary immunity and prevents biofilm formation	Supports gum health and reduces plaque[141]
Bifidobacterium species	Suppresses Candida albicans growth and promotes beneficial microbiota	Prevents oral thrush and fungal infections[147]

P. gingivalis: Porphyromonas gingivalis; S. mutans: Streptococcus mutans.