You’ve probably heard of the gut microbiome, but have you heard of the oral microbiome? If you think about it, your oral cavity is actually part of your digestive system and, like your gut, has a rich microbial ecology. Also, like your gut, the balance of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria in your mouth impacts your health.
In recent years, scientific research has increasingly highlighted the critical role that the oral microbiome plays in maintaining overall health. The oral cavity is not merely a gateway for food intake and communication; it harbours a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that interact with each other and with the human body in profound ways.
While the oral microbiome is relatively smaller than the gut microbiome, it still plays a significant role. Numerous trials have supported the growing evidence for the role of probiotics in oral health. Among the various microbial species that contribute to oral health, Bacillus coagulans has emerged as a promising probiotic with potential benefits for oral microbiome balance and overall health.
The Oral Microbiome: A Complex Ecosystem
The human oral cavity hosts a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. This community, collectively known as the oral microbiome, plays crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis and protecting against pathogens. The composition of the oral microbiome can vary widely between individuals and is influenced by factors such as diet, oral hygiene practices, genetics, and systemic health conditions.
Key components of the oral microbiome include species like Streptococcus mutans, which are associated with dental caries, and species like Streptococcus salivarius, which help maintain oral health by producing antimicrobial substances. The balance between these beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms is critical for preventing oral diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
Bacillus coagulans potential probiotic for oral health
Among the probiotics investigated for their potential benefits to the oral microbiome, Bacillus coagulans stands out due to its unique characteristics and documented health-promoting effects.
Mechanisms of Action
Production of Lactic Acid: Bacillus coagulans produces lactic acid, which helps create an acidic environment in the oral cavity that is unfavourable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.
Competitive Exclusion: By occupying niche spaces within the oral microbiome, Bacillus coagulans can competitively exclude pathogenic bacteria, thereby promoting a balanced microbial community.
Immunomodulation: Bacillus coagulans has been shown to modulate immune responses, potentially reducing inflammation associated with periodontal disease and other oral health conditions.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies have provided promising results regarding the efficacy of Bacillus coagulans in promoting oral health:
Probiotics to Prevent Cavities in Children
Tooth decay (dental caries) is a common condition found in children in which their damage to the tooth can happen when decay-causing bacteria in mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.
Oral health is a largely neglected area with dental caries widely prevalent across all age groups, more so in children with their fondness for confectionary
In a study conducted with 150 children having dental caries showed that there is significant reduction of salivary mutans streptococci(bacteria causing tooth decay) count when they were given 150 million CFU/day of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 for 14 days.1
In another study conducted on 33 children between the age group of 12-15 yr old, there was a significant reduction in the gingival status and plaque inhibition after administration of sporlac ( Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969) 30 ml powder with water, which was swished once daily for 3 min for a period of 3 weeks.2/<sup?
Probiotics Reduces Dental Plaque and Gingival Inflammation
Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial mass that grows as a biofilm on the surface of your teeth. Dental plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Disrupting the buildup of dental plaque is important for preventing oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis (gum infection).
An Indian trial was conducted with 45 adult subjects suffering from chronic gingivitis (inflammation of gums). The trial results showed that treatment with Sporlac Plus (a product of Sanzyme Ltd. containing spores of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969), chlorhexidine mouthwash and normal saline water was effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.3
Probiotics for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Gum Disease
In one of the direct studies on probiotics which was conducted with 50 adults suffering from apthous stomatitis and glossitis (oral ulcers) were given 120 million CFU per day of Sporlac (probiotic product containing spores Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969) with vitamin B complex for 5 days thrice a day. The results showed that combination of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 spores (Sporlac) with Vit B complex cured 43 of 50 patients(83%) followed by Sporlac alone and finally Vit B12 alone treatment.4
Integrating Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 into Oral Health Care
Recognizing the interconnectedness of overall health, oral care brands have a unique opportunity to expand consumer product offerings by integrating with probiotic strain SNZ 1969®. Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 is a spore forming probiotic strain, it is shelf stable and comes with a shelf life of 36 months. Thanks to the nature for providing, it an outer coating which makes it resilient and versatile in terms of application. Such a nature of Bacillus coagulans SNZ1969 provides functional food, supplements, and personal care product formulators an immense opportunity to innovate and position products in the marketplace.
Additionally, they endure GI track conditions better and less prone to ingredient interactions in a formulation as compared to traditional vegetative strains. It can be easily incorporated in toothpastes, mouth washes, lozenges, tablets, gums, candies etc. Hence, Bacillus coagulans SNZ1969 can help manage overall oral health effectively and safely through a wide variety of delivery forms
References:
- Jindal G et al., European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 12: Issue 4
- Contemp Clin Dent 2017; 8: 116-21.
- Clinical trial of Sporlac in the treatment of recurrent Apthous Ulceration,U.P. State Dental Journal Vol.11, January 1980, 7-12
- Jindal G et al., European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 12: Issue 4