German biotech startup creates new cavity-fighting candy

Originally published on January 9, 2014

Researchers working for German biotech startup Organobalance GMBH have created a new candy containing a bacteria that they say can promote better oral health.

A study conducted by the researchers in Berlin shows that the bacteria Lactobacillus paracasei can help reduce cavities.

After eating, the Streptococci mutans bacteria is left on the surface of teeth, and releases acids able to dissolve the tooth enamel. This damages the teeth, eventually leading to cavities.

Researchers claim the candy they've developed allows friendly bacteria to be released into the saliva. The bacteria locks onto corrosive bacteria, forming a clump, which reduces the harmful bacteria's ability to stick to the surface of teeth. When unable to adhere to the teeth, harmful bacteria is then washed away by saliva, preventing the formation of cavities.

To test the theory, the team provided 60 volunteers with a regimen of mints to suck on five times throughout the course of two days, according to Salon magazine.

Salon reported that "saliva samples were studied after the initial serving of candies and also following a final round the next morning."

The results, published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, show that 75 percent of those who were given the candies containing a dead version of Lactobacillus paracasei had lower levels of Streptococci mutans in their saliva than they had the previous day.

James Bader, a professor of dentistry at the University of North Carolina, however, isn't entirely convinced on the long term efficacy of these bacteria.

"The reduction by the candy is really temporary and very small," he told NPR, adding that combating cavities would require using additives that attack bacteria in the biofilm, or plaque, on the teeth as opposed to in the saliva.

Christine Lang, lead researcher and founder of the startup, said that studies on rats fed a diet containing Lactobacillus paracasei over the course of 42 days revealed a significant decline in dental caries and that she planned to perform follow-up studies to demonstrate an effect in humans.

The new candies could be available within the next year or two. Scientists are also starting developing toothpastes and mouthwashes containing the friendly bacteria.

The sweets could be marketed to children to prevent the early onset of tooth decay.

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