<i>Bifidobacterium</i><i>animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i> BB-12 Administration in Early Childhood: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Effects on Oral Colonization by Mutans Streptococci and the Probiotic

Abstract

A randomized clinical trial studied the effects of early ad-ministration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on oral colonization of (1) mutans streptococci (MS), and (2) BB-12. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, infants (n = 106) received probiotic bacteria (BB-12 group), xylitol (X group), or sorbitol (S group). Test tablets were administered twice a day (from the age of 1-2 months) with a novel slow-release pacifier or a spoon (daily dose of BB-12 10¹⁰ CFU, polyol 200-600 mg). Samples were collected from mucosa/teeth at the age of 8 months and 2 years for BB- 12 determination (qPCR) and plate culturing of MS (MSB, TYCSB), lactobacilli (Rogosa) and yeasts (Sabouraud). The MS levels of the mothers were determined (Dentocult SM Strip Mutans). The baseline characteristics of the three groups were similar. Mean duration of tablet delivery was 14.9 ± 6.7 months. In all groups, >90% of the mothers showed high MS counts (log CFU ≧5). MS colonization percentages of the children at the age of 2 years were rather low (BB-12 group: 6%; X group: 31%; S group: 10%; p < 0.05). The levels of lactobacilli and yeasts did not differ between the groups. BB-12 cell counts barely exceeding the detection limit were found in three of the oral samples of the 8-month-old children; however, the 2-year samples did not contain BB-12. The early administration of BB-12 did not result in permanent oral colonization of this probiotic or significantly affect MS colonization in the children.

Consumption of yogurt containing probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis reduces Streptococcus mutans in orthodontic patients

“…14,15 B. lactis have also the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status of the European Food Safety Authority, and they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA in the US. 16,17 Our results showed that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt for two weeks decreased the S. mutans counts in saliva and reinforced previous findings regarding bifidobacteria-derived probiotics. 18,19,20,21 In accordance with previous studies that have been performed to validate the survival and positive effects of the probiotic bacteria B. lactis BB-12, 22 one study reported by Caglar et al showed that short term consumption of yogurt containing B. lactis DN 173010 affected the salivary levels of S. mutans during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.…”

“…In the oral cavity, bifidobacteria may play a role in deep dentine caries progression but not in enamel demineralization. 17,26 Thus, resident oral bifidobacteria are able to colonize the carious dentine depending on the local environmental conditions, that is, poor oral hygiene and frequent intake of cariogenic foods. 17 Second, there are no long-term studies available on the effect of probiotic bacteria on oral microflora, 27 and third, the dosage of probiotic organisms for long term or synergetic effects on oral health still needs to be explored.…”

“…17,26 Thus, resident oral bifidobacteria are able to colonize the carious dentine depending on the local environmental conditions, that is, poor oral hygiene and frequent intake of cariogenic foods. 17 Second, there are no long-term studies available on the effect of probiotic bacteria on oral microflora, 27 and third, the dosage of probiotic organisms for long term or synergetic effects on oral health still needs to be explored. 18,24,25 In any case, the application of probiotic strains of bacteria to prevent or slow the progression of dental caries showed promising results, even though only a few studies have demonstrated clear clinical outcomes.…”

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood

“…Background information on the families has been published earlier (18). The groups did not differ with regard to baseline characteristics.…”

“…created a randomization list, which was computer generated in blocks of three. This two-armed trial is a substudy of a three-armed trial originally aiming to study the effect of BB-12 and xylitol on oral health (18).…”