Probiotics for Oral Health

Scientific research continues to reveal that the benefits of probiotics extend beyond gut health. These live cultures, long established for aiding digestion, are now recognised for their positive effects on mental health, cholesterol management, vaginal health, and oral hygiene. Recent studies highlight the role of probiotics in reducing the duration of sore throats and promoting oral hygiene by inhibiting harmful bacteria.

Probiotics and Oral Hygiene

One study published in the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal examined the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei SD1 on oral health in 30 adolescent participants with cleft lip and palate. Due to irregular tooth size, misalignment, and orthodontic appliances, individuals with cleft lip and palate often experience bacterial overgrowth, particularly Streptococcus mutans, which is linked to tooth decay. Participants supplemented with L. paracasei SD1 showed reduced levels of S. mutans, an effect that persisted even four weeks after supplementation ceased². Researchers suggest further long-term studies to fully understand the impact of L. paracasei SD1 on oral health.

Another study focused on Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 and its effect on recurrent throat infections. Researchers observed 60 children aged 3 to 13 years, all with a history of recurrent throat infections. The probiotic group experienced a 96% reduction in streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis and an 80% reduction in viral infections¹. Scientists believe S. salivarius BLIS K12 secretes bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances that help prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Probiotic Ice Cream for Oral Health

Perhaps surprisingly, probiotic ice cream has been found to reduce cavities in children. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research tested probiotic bacteria delivered through ice cream. Despite containing sugar, the probiotic ice cream significantly reduced the presence of Streptococcus mutans in children³.

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 children aged 6 to 12 were divided into two groups: one consumed regular ice cream, while the other ate probiotic-enriched ice cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-05®. The probiotic group exhibited significantly lower levels of harmful bacteria. Even after a 30-day washout period, the probiotic benefits remained evident, although they diminished over six months, suggesting the need for regular supplementation.

Key summary

• Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by reducing cavity-causing bacteria and lowering the risk of throat infections.
• Key probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus paracasei SD1, Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12, and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® show promising benefits in oral care.
• Further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and long-term effects.
• Regular probiotic supplementation could be a valuable addition to a daily oral hygiene routine.

For more related reading, see:

Do probiotics help with bad breath?
Gut bacteria linked to obesity and bad breath

References

1. Di Pierro, F. et al (2014) Use of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of streptococcal and viral pharyngotonsillitis in children. Drug Healthc. Patient Saf. 13:6. 15-20.
2. Effect of Probiotics Containing Lactobacillus paracasei SD1 on Salivary Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli in Orthodontic Cleft Patients: A Double-Blinded, Randomizes, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 51, 3. May, 2013.
3. Ashwin et al (2015) Effect of Probiotic Containing Ice-cream on Salivary Mutans Streptococci (SMS) Levels in Children of 6-12 Years of Age: A Randomized Controlled Double Blind Study with Six-months Follow Up, J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Feb; 9(2): ZC06–ZC09.