The effectiveness of probiotics in preventing and managing dental caries and gingival health in children aged 1–18 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ehab Qasim Talib, Ahmed Qasim Talib, Ansam Zuhair Najm, Aws Fakhri Alzwghaibi Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 2026 Background: The impact of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, on pediatric oral health has been increasingly studied. Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in preventing dental caries and improving periodontal health in children. By focusing on measurable outcomes such as Streptococcus mutans reduction, caries incidence, and gingival inflammation, the study seeks to determine the role of probiotics as a preventive and therapeutic intervention in pediatric oral health. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase from 2014 to 2024 using key terms: "Probiotics," "Oral health," "Childhood," "Lactobacillus," and "Bifidobacterium". Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included to ensure high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of probiotics in pediatric oral health. Results: Out of 28,103 studies identified, 5 met the inclusion criteria. Probiotic supplementation, particularly with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, resulted in a 20% reduction in dental caries incidence (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95, p < 0.05) and a 15% improvement in gingival health (RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.70-1.00, p = 0.04). These findings suggest a significant role for probiotics in both caries prevention and periodontal disease management in pediatric populations. Conclusion: Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing dental caries incidence by 20% and improving gingival health by 15% in children. These findings support the potential role of probiotics in preventing and managing pediatric dental caries and periodontal diseases.
Interactions between T-cells and B-cells in the microbiological and histopathological mechanisms of peri-implantitis development Ehab Talib, Amenah Mohammed Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 2026 Peri-implantitis is a pathological disease characterized by the presence of inflammatory osteolysis in the vicinity of dental implants. The comprehension of the microbiology and histopathology of the subject is crucial for its efficient management. This condition encompasses an intricate biofilm like the one seen in periodontal disease, yet with discernible bacteria profiles. Histopathological investigation at an advanced level provides significant insights into the shape of bones and the process of osseointegration, hence contributing valuable information about the course of diseases. The present review aims to consolidate existing literature on the identification of microorganisms and the histopathological characteristics associated with peri-implantitis. It elucidates the significant involvement of T-cells and B-cells in the immunological response to this condition. In this review, we examine the ramifications pertaining to the diagnostic, treatment, and public health domains, with a particular emphasis on the imperative nature of infection control measures and the development of novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target distinct immunological pathways. The significance of having a complete knowledge of peri-implantitis from several perspectives is emphasized in this review, as it has the potential to enhance clinical practise and improve patient care within the field of dentistry.
Probiotics and pediatric oral health: An emerging antimicrobial tool against childhood infections Ehab Qasim Talib, Ghada Ibrahim Taha, Rasha Mohammed Shaker, Ansam Zuhair Najm, Ahmed Qasim Talib, Farah badri abed Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 2026 Background: Due to the fact that dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders that afflict children all over the world, pediatric oral health is an essential component of a child's overall health. The use of probiotics, which are microorganisms that are still alive, has the potential to have positive impacts on one's health. This research reveals that probiotics have a favourable influence on oral health. Probiotics do this by enhancing the adaptive immune response and reducing the populations of harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. There is a wide range of data that has been examined that suggests that probiotics may have various effects in lowering the occurrence of dental caries and gingivitis. These benefits may vary depending on the strains that are used. In the publication, the relevance of probiotic intervention in children's oral health at an early age is emphasized, and the authors propose that more randomized controlled studies be conducted in order to validate these findings. Probiotic foods like milk and yoghurt show promise as vehicles for achieving this aim; nevertheless, further research is required before making definitive recommendations for the treatment of children who have concerns with their dental health. This research collected data by searching relevant articles in scientific databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science.
Oral pathogens in peri-implant disease: Insights from 16S rRNA gene sequencing Ehab Talib, Ghada Taha, Dhuha Ali, Israa Hasan Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 2025 Oral health depends on the complicated oral microbial environment. This varied oral microbiome includes microbial populations on teeth, gums, and tongue. Genetics, food, oral hygiene, and health conditions all influence these microbial ecosystems. This ecology is sensitive, and interruption may cause oral dysbiosis. Oral mucositis and peri-implant infections frequently result from this imbalance. This extensive analysis examines oral pathogens such as Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Porphyromonas. 16S rRNA gene sequencing is used to study how these bacteria cause oral illnesses. This powerful molecular method illuminates oral microbial dynamics. The study illuminates disease development by examining the complex interactions between these pathogenic microorganisms and oral health. The essay also emphasizes the need to use cutting-edge scientific methods to treat oral illnesses. It describes how these tools have transformed oral pathology research. The findings from this study are crucial for improving treatment and prevention methods. The review stresses oral hygiene and encourages additional study. Dental treatment might become more personalised and targeted, improving oral health management.
Involvement of interlukin-17A (IL-17A) gene polymorphism and interlukin-23 (IL-23) level in the development of peri-implantitis Ehab Qasim Talib, Ghada Ibrahim Taha Bdj Open, 2024 Background Dental implantation has been practiced since ancient times and has gone through several stages. Dentists use dental implants to support dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures, face prostheses, or as an orthodontic anchor. Thus, the purpose of this study is to detect the role of the immune-genetic variation of IL-17A and related inflammatory cytokine (IL-23) in the initiation and progress of peri implantitis. Material and methods This cross-sectional study included 80 subjects (15 peri-implantitis patients, 35 successful implants, and 30 healthy controls); their mean age was (43.91 ± 11.33) years. Blood samples and Peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) were collected from all subjects (patients with peri-implantitis, successful implants, and healthy controls) attending the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Dental College Teaching Hospital, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq. The blood sample detects gene polymorphisms in interleukin-17A by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to estimate the Peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) levels of interleukin-23. Result The current study revealed an obvious significant elevation in the mean level of interleukin-23 in the peri-implantitis patient’s group more than its level in the successful implant and control groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the result showed that A/A genotype is associated significantly with peri-implantitis OR (95%confidence interval) =6.9 (1.7121 to 27.4638) folds increase risk of peri-implantitis) (p = 0.0065), while G/A genotype had OR 4.9 (0.9539–24.9394) folds increased risk of peri-implantitis, (p = 0.0572). But it was not statistically significant and G/G genotype had a one-fold increase risk of peri-implantitis. Conclusion The increased level of inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-23) might add to the systemic inflammatory burden a predisposing factor, which may lead to impaired osseointegration and subsequent bone loss or implant failure. In addition, IL-17A gene polymorphism may play a role in peri-implant disease susceptibility, especially in persons carrying the rs2275913 A allele at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitits as compared with those carrying the G allele.
Microbial Boundaries in Peri-Implantitis: A Review of Pathogen-Related Advances Ehab Qasim Talib, Ghada Ibrahim Taha, Dhuha Mahmood Ali, Sahar Hashim Al-Hindawi, Fadia Abd Almuhsin Al-Khayat, Israa Amer Hasan Folia Medica, 2024 In the field of implantology, peri-implantitis is still a common complication of implant failure. Similar to periodontal disease, this kind of pathological condition is characterized by inflammation of the tissues surrounding dental implants or fillings. The sources of infection have been shown to be chronic periodontitis and poor maintenance of the communion. A thorough examination of the intricate components of peri-implantitis was sought in this review in order to identify common characteristics of the disease with regard to bacteria, biofilm formation, host immunological responses, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic treatments. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed overview of the different bacterial species associated with peri-implantitis, a clinical condition similar to periodontitis, characterized by a higher prevalence of staphylococci and enteric bacteria. The study underscores the importance of employing sophisticated diagnostic methods like cone beam computed tomography. It covers a range of therapeutic approaches including surgical and non-surgical techniques as well as strategies stressing host-modification and photodynamic treatment. The study was conducted using pertinent publications from scientific databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. We searched these databases using the following terms: periodontitis, microbial, dental implants, peri-implantitis, and biofilm formation.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
The Effectiveness of probiotics in preventing and managing dental caries and gingival health in children aged 1–18 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis EQ Talib, AQ Talib, AZ Najm, AF Alzwghaibi Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (2), 1388-1397 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Interactions between T-cells and B-cells in the microbiological and histopathological mechanisms of peri-implantitis development EQ Talib, AS Mohammed Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (1), 684-689 , 2026 2026 Citations: 6
Probiotics and pediatric oral health: An emerging antimicrobial tool against childhood infections EQ Talib, GI Taha, RM Shaker, AZ Najm, AQ Talib Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (1), 269-275 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Assessment of serum CRP and gingival crevicular fluid OPG and neutrophil elastase as biomarkers for periodontal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus HA Mohammed, EQ Talib Natural and Life Sciences Communications 25 (3), e2026066 , 2026 2026
BALANCING INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNE REGULATION IN PERI-IMPLANTITIS: INSIGHTS FROM THE PISF TNF-Α/IL-10 CYTOKINE RATIO AZ Najm, EQ Talib Russian Journal of Immunology , 2025 2025
Oral pathogens in peri-implant disease: Insights from 16S rRNA gene sequencing EQ Talib, GI Taha, DM Ali, IA Hasan Microbes and Infectious Diseases 6 (1), 184-189 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Microbial boundaries in peri-implantitis: a review of pathogen-related advances EQ Talib, GI Taha, DM Ali, SH Al-Hindawi, FAA Al-Khayat, IA Hasan Folia Medica 66 (6), 763-769 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
A review of microbial pathogens and diagnostic techniques in children's oral health GI Taha, EQ Talib, FB Abed, IA Hasan Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health 53 (4) , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Involvement of interlukin-17A (IL-17A) gene polymorphism and interlukin-23 (IL-23) level in the development of peri-implantitis EQ Talib, GI Taha BDJ open 10 (1), 12 , 2024 2024 Citations: 42
Involvement of IL-23 and IL-12 Levels in the Development of Peri–Implantitis EQ Talib, GI Taha Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science 10 (3), 221-229 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
INVOLVEMENT OF IL-17A GENE POLYMORPHISM AND IL-23, IL-12 LEVELS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERI–IMPLANTITIS EQ Talib University of Baghdad , 2022 2022
Microbes and Infectious Diseases EF Lambe, MK Oladunmoye 2020
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Involvement of interlukin-17A (IL-17A) gene polymorphism and interlukin-23 (IL-23) level in the development of peri-implantitis EQ Talib, GI Taha BDJ open 10 (1), 12 , 2024 2024 Citations: 42
A review of microbial pathogens and diagnostic techniques in children's oral health GI Taha, EQ Talib, FB Abed, IA Hasan Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health 53 (4) , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Interactions between T-cells and B-cells in the microbiological and histopathological mechanisms of peri-implantitis development EQ Talib, AS Mohammed Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (1), 684-689 , 2026 2026 Citations: 6
Microbial boundaries in peri-implantitis: a review of pathogen-related advances EQ Talib, GI Taha, DM Ali, SH Al-Hindawi, FAA Al-Khayat, IA Hasan Folia Medica 66 (6), 763-769 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Oral pathogens in peri-implant disease: Insights from 16S rRNA gene sequencing EQ Talib, GI Taha, DM Ali, IA Hasan Microbes and Infectious Diseases 6 (1), 184-189 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
The Effectiveness of probiotics in preventing and managing dental caries and gingival health in children aged 1–18 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis EQ Talib, AQ Talib, AZ Najm, AF Alzwghaibi Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (2), 1388-1397 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Probiotics and pediatric oral health: An emerging antimicrobial tool against childhood infections EQ Talib, GI Taha, RM Shaker, AZ Najm, AQ Talib Microbes and Infectious Diseases 7 (1), 269-275 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Involvement of IL-23 and IL-12 Levels in the Development of Peri–Implantitis EQ Talib, GI Taha Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science 10 (3), 221-229 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Assessment of serum CRP and gingival crevicular fluid OPG and neutrophil elastase as biomarkers for periodontal disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus HA Mohammed, EQ Talib Natural and Life Sciences Communications 25 (3), e2026066 , 2026 2026
BALANCING INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNE REGULATION IN PERI-IMPLANTITIS: INSIGHTS FROM THE PISF TNF-Α/IL-10 CYTOKINE RATIO AZ Najm, EQ Talib Russian Journal of Immunology , 2025 2025
INVOLVEMENT OF IL-17A GENE POLYMORPHISM AND IL-23, IL-12 LEVELS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERI–IMPLANTITIS EQ Talib University of Baghdad , 2022 2022
Microbes and Infectious Diseases EF Lambe, MK Oladunmoye 2020
