Healthy Bacteria Could Be Used to Attack Oral Pathogens
Healthy Bacteria Attack Dental Pathogens What if naturally occurring oral bacteria could be used to attack pathogens in the oral cavity? It may be possible, according to an ongoing investigation at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. The
Healthy Bacteria Could Be Used to Attack Oral Pathogens
What if naturally occurring oral bacteria could be used to attack pathogens in the oral cavity? It may be possible, according to an ongoing investigation at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. The research, headed by Glenn Walker, BSc, MSc, PhD, focuses on using bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS)—which are produced by healthy oral microflora—to inhibit plaque bacteria.
In order for BLIS to work most effectively, Walker proposes that plaque must first be broken down using the naturally occurring enzyme dextranase. BLIS would then be free to attack oral pathogens present in the oral cavity—primarily, mutans streptococci.
Walker suggests that a probiotic may be a viable delivery system for dextranase and BLIS proteins, thus adding a new tool to the caries prevention armamentarium. As promising as this development sounds, further study is needed before such a product could be brought to market.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
September 2014
