Selection of dairy bacterial strains as probiotics for oral health

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to select bacterial strains with potential properties as oral probiotics, namely for the prevention of dental caries. We examined 23 dairy microorganisms, out of which we identified two Streptococcus thermophilus and two Lactcoccus lactis strains that were able to adhere to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads to the same extent as Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ176. Two of them, Strep. thermophilus NCC1561 and Lactoc. lactis ssp. lactis NCC2211, were further successfully incorporated into a biofilm mimicking the dental plaque. Furthermore, they could grow in such a biofilm together with five strains of oral bacterial species, representative of supragingival plaque. In this system, Lactoc. lactis NCC2211 was able to modulate the growth of the oral bacteria, and in particular to diminish the colonization of Streptococcus oralis OMZ607, Veillonella dispar OMZ493, Actinomyces naeslundii OMZ745 and of the cariogenic Strep. sobrinus OMZ176. These findings encourage further research with selected non-pathogenic dairy bacterial strains with the aim to decrease the cariogenic potential of dental plaque.

Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DD2 against oral pathogens

“…Although many studies have explored the use of LAB for the benefit of oral health, there are currently no comprehensive or standardized in vitro protocols for screening novel oral probiotics [5,13,23]. Probiotic candidates have been routinely screened based on their ability to survive in an artificial host barrier system such as with stimulation of gastric acid or enzymatic stresses [4].…”

“…The pH of the culture supernatant was measured after incubation for 24 and 48 h using a Model 205 pH meter (Testo, Lenzkirch, Germany) equipped with temperature compensation to determine the extent of acid production. Prior to measurement, the strains were diluted in sterilized 0.9% saline at a turbidity of 0.6 McFarland, and 100 µl of the diluent was inoculated into 3 ml of MRS broth, which was incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Sucrose utilization was determined through automated biochemical analysis using the Vitek 2 system (bioMérieux) to evaluate the potential of the candidate strains to compete with oral pathogens for sucrose, which is the major carbon source of oral streptococci [13]. …”

“…However, these drugs are associated with negative side effects such as tooth discoloration and irritation [12]. As an alternative, some studies have investigated the anticariogenic role of probiotic microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB) [13–15]. …”

Role of Probiotics on Oral Health - A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Microbiological Study

“…Such a biofilm keeps bacterial pathogens off oral tissues by filling a space which could have served as niche for pathogens in future; and competing with cariogenic bacteria and periodontal pathogens growth. 4 To be able to exert probiotic properties in the oral cavity, however, it is essential for the microorganism to resist the oral envoirnmental conditions, to be able to adhere to saliva coated surfaces, to colonize and grow in the mouth, and to inhibit oral pathogens. The putative probiotic species also needs to be safe for the host.…”

Effects of probiotic fermented milk on biofilms, oral microbiota, and enamel

“…3 In order to show effectiveness against oral infections, probiotic bacteria need to adhere to the oral mucosa and dental tissues as part of the biofilm and compete with dental pathogens. 4 The most widely used species belong to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, because these organisms are already produced in the dairy industry and are very Declaration of Interests: The authors certify that they have no commercial or associative interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the manuscript.…”