TY - JOUR T1 - Assessing the Effects of Kefir Intake on Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: A Narrative Synthesis A1 - Ina Kayser A1 - Diana Heimes JF - International Journal of Dental Research and Allied Sciences JO - Int J Dent Res Allied Sci SN - 3062-3502 Y1 - 2025 VL - 5 IS - 1 DO - 10.51847/xvoKA3L0ae SP - 61 EP - 72 N2 - Dental caries and gum diseases are leading oral health issues worldwide, posing significant public health challenges. In recent years, kefir—a fermented beverage, either dairy- or water-based—has gained attention for its diverse microbial content and associated health benefits. This review aims to present a comprehensive update on the impact of kefir consumption on oral health. A search was performed across major research databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, utilizing keywords such as kefir, dental decay, probiotics, microbiota, gum disease, biofilm, and oral health to identify relevant human studies. The available evidence suggests that kefir may help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria commonly associated with oral diseases. Kefir appears to have the potential to reduce the growth of oral pathogens and inhibit biofilm formation, likely due to its ability to support a diverse microbial community in the mouth. This suggests that kefir could serve as a beneficial adjunct in preventing and managing dental decay and gum disease. UR - https://tsdp.net/article/assessing-the-effects-of-kefir-intake-on-tooth-decay-and-gum-disease-a-narrative-synthesis-8b4jlcffoymem3g ER -