Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei effect on cariogenic bacterial flora

Abstract

Lactobacillus paracasei has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microbes such as Streptococcus mutans, in vitro. However, its clinical application remains unclear. Here, we examined whether a novel probiotic L. paracasei GMNL-33 may reduce the caries-associated salivary microbial counts in healthy adults. Seventy-eight subjects (aged 20 to 26) had completed this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. A probiotic/test (n = 42) and a control group (n = 36) took a L. paracasei GMNL-33 and a placebo oral tablet three times per day for 2 weeks, respectively. Bacterial counts of salivary S. mutans, lactobacilli, and salivary buffer capacity were measured with chair-side kits at the beginning (T1), the completion (T2) of medication, and 2 weeks after medication (T3). The results did not show differences in the counts of S. mutans and lactobacilli between probiotic and control groups at T1, T2, and T3. Nevertheless, within the probiotic group, an interesting probiotic effect was noticed. Between T1 and T2, no inhibitory effect against S. mutans was observed. However, a significant count reduction in the salivary S. mutans was detected between T2 and T3 (p = 0.016). Thus, a 2-week period of medication via oral administration route may be needed for L. paracasei GMNL-33 to be effective in the probiotic action.

Comparative study of topical effects of probiotics with a commercial fluoride tooth paste in reducing dental caries in patients with higher salivary streptococcus mutans levels

“…These results were supported by similar in vitro studies done by Haukioja 12 Study done by Chuang et al 2011 using L. paracasei GMNL-33 application for 2weeks showed similar results. 13 Topical fluoride application in the present study also yielded similar results with significant reduction S mutans from 103 to 34 CFU/ml of saliva (p value 0.006) after 15 days application. Songpaisan et al reported low counts of Streptococcus mutans in children using 0.5% hydrofluoride solution.…”

Lactobacilli for the Treatment of Oral Diseases

“…L. casei ATCC 11578 is able to prevent and even decolonise the adhesion of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite by modifying the protein composition of the salivary pellicle [67]. In a clinical study using L. paracasei GMNL-33 a significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was detected after 4 weeks [68]. L. paracasei showed maximum interference activity against S. mutans in-vitro, as reported by Simark-Mattsson et al [65].…”

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

“…Various clinical studies have shown that L. rhamnosus and L. paracasei consumption could reduce S. mutans biofilm formation in the oral cavity [15,30]. Despite the extensive research effort devoted to determining the effects of LAB supplementation on cariogenic bacteria, there are still large knowledge gaps related to understanding the mechanism of the bacterial behavior in response to supplementation.…”

“…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]. …”