Evaluating the ability of marketed oral probiotics to interfere with the growth of clinical strains of Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is a result of acid production by some oral bacteria which dissolves the tooth structure. Multiple measures are utilized to prevent dental decay. However, most people still need restorations due to dental caries. Probiotics are microorganism that have potential in reduction/inhibition of bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The use of probiotics for oral health does not have a long history but several products are nonetheless marketed for oral health without strong evidence of clinical efficacy.

Lab studies have shown the reduction of mutans streptococci (major contributors to dental decay) is one of the effects of selected probiotic regimens. Only a few clinical trials have studied the effects of probiotic therapy on reducing dental caries, but these studies have revealed a potential benefit. Probiotics hold promise as a preventive measure in oral health; however, more research is needed to understand the effects of probiotics on caries before we can inform clinical practice. If proven useful, probiotics provide an easy and low-cost option for patients to improve their oral health and possibly prevent the need for restorative treatment.

Thus, the aim of this project was to evaluate some of the probiotic products marketed as oral probiotics and see if they have any effects against Streptococcus mutans which is known to be one of the main species responsible for tooth decay. The second aim of the project was to evaluate the possible effects of the probiotics on some of the health-related bacteria such as Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii.