Inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 on rat dental caries

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Streptococcus mutans counts and erosion of the
dental enamel after the application of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 and
fermented skim soy milk. Several studies have found that probiotics and their fermented
products can be a good therapeutic alternative to nonspecific mechanical plaque removal
or the application of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In this study, L. paracasei subsp. paracasei
NTU 101 and fermented skim soy milk displayed antibacterial activity against several microorganisms.

In animal experiments, these agents significantly reduced oral S. mutans counts
from 105 to 102 (p < 0.01).We assessed caries scores to evaluate the decay process during a
64-day period. The results revealed that the bacteriological factors involved in the caries
process can be suppressed, thus suggesting that L. paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 and
their fermented products are protective factors against dental caries development.

 

 

Published: 16 June 2014

For more information:

Journal of Functional Foods; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2014.06.015