Background

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity is one of the world's most common oral health problems today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60%-90% of school-aged children and nearly 100% of adults worldwide have dental cavities. They can affect people in a variety of ways, including infections, tooth pain, stunting in children's growth, and affecting communication skills and recreational activities. Dental caries is a breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Recently, probiotics have demonstrated their potential in treating biofilm-related diseases, including caries.

Technology Overview

University of Rochester researchers have 1) identified the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on S. mutans and C. albicans using a comprehensive model that mimicked high dental caries risk clinical condition. L. plantarum demonstrated superior disruption of virulent biofilm structure with reduced extracellular matrix and virulent micro-colonies formation in the biofilms; 2) developed a specific dose regimen for Lactobacillus plantarum to achieve the inhibition of cariogenic biofilms; and 3) developed a specific proportion of Lactobacillus plantarum, S. mutans, and C. albicans that maximize the beneficial outcomes.

Benefits

Bacteria and yeast are the driving force for dental plaque formation. The current solution for dental caries prevention is the use of toothpaste and brushing to remove dental plaque, however, it does not affect the carriage of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast. The benefit of the probiotic approach using Lactobacillus plantarum lies in that it would lead to an equilibrium oral microbiota with reduction and inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, and reduction of dental plaque formation.

Applications

Treatment and prevention of dental caries.