Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Of the 75 school-aged children, those who had 3 months of treatment with the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 experienced a significant improvement in Cariogram score as well as a 50% plaque reduction and a 75% decrease in Streptococcus mutans (the “bad bacteria”).
Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood, with an estimated 22.7% of 2-5 year olds having cavities and 55.7% of 6-8 year olds having cavities (1-3). There are a many factors affect the development of cavities, including saliva composition, fluoride exposure, dietary habits and the interactions between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the mouth (1, 4).
The bacteria Streptococcus mutans is considered a more harmful bacteria in the mouth and can increase plaque build-up and is increased in those with cavities (1). The bacteria Streptococcus salivarius has been shown to decrease bad breath, plaque build-up, dental cavities, and Streptococcus mutans colonization in school-aged children (1, 5).
Recent research included 76 school-aged children (6-17 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either no treatment (n=38; control group) or the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 (n=38; 1 billion colony-forming units/tablet) for three months, after receiving informed consent from their parents (1). Every 15 days throughout the three-month study period, participants were contacted by the researchers to remind them of their treatment and ask about any side effects (1). Participants in the Streptococcus salivarius M18 group took one tablet nightly before sleep. The tablet was allowed to slowly dissolve in the mouth without biting or swallowing.
The Cariogram outcome was used to measure improvement. The Cariogram is an algorithm-based software program that determines risk for developing cavities based on nine cavity-related risk factors and a dental exam (1). After three months of treatment, those taking the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 had a statistically significant reduction (improvement) in their Cariogram score of more than 30% (P<0.01) (1). The probiotic group also had a reduction in plaque of approximately 50% and a reduction in Streptococcus mutans (the “bad bacteria”) of 75% (1).
The following impr’ovements in the Cariogram scores were also observed in the Streptococcus salivarius M18 group:
| Treatment Time Period | Decreased Risk of New Cavities (%) | Bacteria (%) | Susceptibility (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salivarius M18, day 0 | 20 | 29 | 23 |
| Salivarius M18, day 90 | 70* | 7* | 9* |
| Untreated, day 0 | 20 | 29 | 23 |
| Untreated, day 90 | 37 | 26 | 16 |
*All values of M18, day 90 are significant (P<0.01) vs treatment M18, day 0
In conclusion, three months of supplementing with Streptococcus salivarius M18 decreased the risk of developing new cavities, reduced the harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, decreased susceptibility of cavities and reduced plaque (1). The research should be repeated with a placebo and in a double-blind manner to confirm results. Researchers suggest that Streptococcus salivarius M18 should be considered as a new tool for dentists in cavity reduction (1).
Source: Di Pierro et al 2015. Clinical role of a fixed combination of standardized Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum extracts in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic patients intolerant to statins Propolis Comparable to Conventional Treatment for Oral Health.
© 2015 Di Pierro et al. This work is published by Dove Medical Press Limited, and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0)
Posted June 13, 2016.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Di Pierro F, et al. Cariogram outcome after 90 days of oral treatment with Streptococcus salivarius M18 in children at high risk for dental caries: results of a randomized, controlled study. Clincal, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry 2015:7, 107-113.
- Bagramiam RA, et al. The global increase in dental caries. A pending public health crisis. Am J Dent. 2009; 22:2-3.
- Dental Caries and Sealant Prevalence in Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2011–2012. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Selwitz RH, et al. Dental caries. Lancet. 2007; 369:51-59.
- Chen YY, et al. Streptococcus salivaris urease: a genetic and biocemical characterization and expression in a dental plaque streptococcus. Infect Immun. 1996; 64:585-592.
