A new clinical study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry found that BLIS M18 (Streptococcus salivarius) significantly improves the chances of avoiding new dental caries.
 
This new randomized, controlled study on BLIS M18 was conducted on 76 children between the ages of six and 17 that were classified as high-risk for dental caries on the basis of Cariogram results. Cariogram is a well recognized, clinically proven software program that looks at different caries-related risk factors to aid clinicians in performing consistent dental caries risk assessments. Thirty-eight subjects (half) were supplemented for 90 days with a formulation containing the oral cavity probiotic BLIS M18 while the other half served as the control group receiving no treatment. 

The study found that after 90 days of treatment with BLIS M18, there was a statistically significant reduction, by more than 30%, in the global Cariogram outcome, including parameters of “plaque amount” (50% reduction) and “mutans streptococci” (75% reduction). These decreases are likely to be a direct consequence of the BLIS M18 bacteriocins’ interactions with mutans streptococci, as well as M18’s ability to colonize in the oral cavity and produce the beneficial enzymes dextranase and urease, which are able to counteract plaque formation and saliva acidity. There was no statistical difference observed in the control group. BLIS M18 also demonstrated a very good safety profile with no treatment-related side effects, as found in previous clinical trials.
 
Dr. Joseph Evans, executive manager of research & development for Stratum Nutrition, commented, “Using an objective caries-risk assessment algorithm previously validated in children, young adults and seniors, the investigators have found that dietary supplementation withBLIS M18 significantly increases the chances of avoiding dental caries in the coming year in children diagnosed as high-risk. Although requiring confirmation in a larger, controlled trial with development of caries as the primary outcome measure, these results suggest that BLIS M18 has the potential to complement a diligent oral hygiene program and nutritionally balanced diet in the ongoing battle against tooth decay.”
 
The mutans streptococci is one of the contributing factors to the development of dental caries, however its development can be disrupted by the activity of bacteriocins released by the BLIS M18 probiotic. Different strains of S. salivarius have been shown capable of counteracting the growth of mutans streptococci and of these, the strongest clinical potential has been shown by strain BLIS M18.
 
Previous trials evaluating BLIS M18 have revealed its ability to colonize and persist in the human oral cavity, to reduce plaque formation, to lower S. mutans counts in school-aged children, and to modulate the gingival immune response in adults. 
 
For more information: www.stratumnutrition.com