Two recent trials reveal probiotics' oral health benefits in children: BLIS Technologies
Dr Hale highlighted the impact and opportunities of two strains of Streptococcus salivarius for oral and gum health.
He said Streptococcus salivarius possesses ideal probiotic properties because it is the dominant bacterium on the tongue, is found in certain foods such as breast milk and cheese, and is an early coloniser in newborns that remains for life.
Dr Hale shared some recent trial data, which showed its oral health benefits.
He highlighted a recent study on three-year-olds entering kindergarten, where the preventative effect of the K12 strain of Streptococcus salivarius on the rate of strep throat and otitis media was assessed.
After having been given one lozenge a day for six months, it was observed that there was a reduced occurrence of sore throat and otitis media, and the effect continued for three months.
This was an example of the proactive protective effect of the K12 strain in environments with a high chance of infection, and reduced the need for antibiotics, he said.
The paper noted: "Prophylactic administration of S. salivarius K12 to children with a history of recurrent oral streptococcal disease resulted in a considerable reduction of episodes of both streptococcal and viral infections, and reduced the number of days under antibiotic and / or antipyretic therapy and days of absence from school."
In terms of combating halitosis, Dr Hale highlighted a study that examined the effect of chlorhexidine disinfection as a chemical method of oral hygiene practice, and the subsequent use of the K12 strain on halitosis in children.
208 children with organoleptic test (OLT) scores of two or more were randomly assigned to four groups: The first adhered to conventional oral hygiene practices, the second also included tongue scraping, the third added chlorhexidine, while the fourth also included probiotics.
It was found that probiotic therapy following oral disinfection with chlorhexidine may reduce the severity of halitosis over longer periods, said Dr Hale.
