Dental whitening effect of an oral probiotic

Authors: Robert T. Zahradnik, Emily McDonell, Charles H. Hillman, Jeffrey D. Hillman — Oragenics, Inc., Alachua, FL

Journal: Journal of Applied Microbiology | Running title: Dental Whitening Effect by S. oralis

Abstract

Aims: To conduct a laboratory study to evaluate the ability of a culture of a hydrogen peroxide-producing oral bacterium, Streptococcus oralis strain KJ3sm™, to whiten stained dental ceramic disks over a period of 4 weeks.

Methods and Results: A colorimeter was employed to measure changes in the lightness value of stained ceramic disks at weekly intervals during the treatment phase. At the conclusion of the 4-week experimental period, a statistically significant whitening effect was observed from the 2-week point through week 4. The whitening effect was influenced by the presence of glucose and/or catalase in the incubation medium. A plot of lightness values as a function of time demonstrated that this whitening effect did not plateau, indicating that maximum whitening effect of the S. oralis strain had not occurred within the timeframe of the study.

Conclusions: The S. oralis strain was able to significantly lighten stained dental ceramic disks in vitro. For maximum benefit, bacterial strains selected for tooth whitening applications should be good hydrogen peroxide producers and exhibit a transient residence time on tooth surfaces that closely corresponds to the anticipated frequency of product application.

Significance

Oral care products that incorporate probiotic cultures of hydrogen peroxide-producing bacteria, such as S. oralis — one of the three strains in the ProBiora3® blend — may represent a safe and effective means of naturally whitening vital teeth. This study provides laboratory evidence supporting the tooth whitening benefits of ProBiora3® as a secondary benefit of regular probiotic use.

Keywords: Probiotic, Teeth Whitening, Peroxide-Producing Bacteria, Dental Esthetics