We’ve all heard that probiotics are good for the body, but the question is: how do they actually help our internals? The fact of the matter is that they help balance the body’s gut microbiome by promoting the growth of “good” bacteria. This, in turn, suppresses harmful bacteria and provides a host of benefits.Lactobacillus salivary, which was recently reclassified as Ligilactobacillus salivarius, is a type of probiotic. The great thing about it is the fact that it has been your friend from the beginning as it is found naturally in the body. L. salivarius brings with it a number of health benefits. In fact, it has been so prolific that it has been the subject of extensive research in recent years.
What is Lactobacillus Salivarius?
Lactobacillus salivarius is a type of lactic acid bacteria that produces lactic acid by fermenting sugars. This process helps create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. This strain of probiotic is known for its ability to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, making it particularly effective at promoting digestive health.
Health Benefits of Lactobacillus Salivarius
Intestinal Health
Salivarius has indicated that it can improve the intestinal barrier function of our systems. An added benefit is that it reduces inflammation in piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a component of Gram-negative bacteria. It has been proven that supplementation with L. salivarius has helped alleviate oxidative stress.
Immune Function
This is one of the core functions of our system and L. salivarius has shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties in mouse models of colitis. The probiotics can upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and increase the expression of M2 macrophage markers, promoting the resolution of inflammation. L. salivarius AR809, if isolated from the human oral cavity, has also shown that it can modulate innate immunity by enhancing IL-10 production and inhibiting proinflammatory mediators.
Oral Health
We often do not pay enough attention to our oral health. Therefore, it is important to understand that L. salivarius AR809 has exhibited strong adhesion to pharyngeal epithelial cells and antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests it has potential as a probiotic that can benefit the oral cavity. L. salivarius has also been put under observation for its ability to produce the lantibiotic salivaricin A, which prevents dental caries.
How Lactobacillus salivarius Helps Prevent Cavities
- Inhibits Harmful Bacteria (Cavity-Causing Microorganisms)
- Competitive Exclusion: L. salivarius competes for space and nutrients in the oral cavity, limiting the growth of harmful bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, such as Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is one of the primary culprits in the formation of cavities because it produces acids as it ferments sugars in the mouth, leading to the demineralization of tooth enamel.
- Bacteriocin Production: L. salivarius produces antimicrobial substances known as bacteriocins that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth. These bacteriocins act like natural antibiotics that target harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial ones.
- Reduction of Acid Production
- L. salivarius can reduce the overall acidity in the oral environment. Since dental cavities are caused by the acid produced by bacteria (especially S. mutans) when they metabolize sugars, reducing acidity helps protect tooth enamel from demineralization. L. salivarius, like many beneficial oral bacteria, produces lactic acid as part of its metabolic process, but in a much smaller quantity and in a way that does not harm teeth.
- Promotes Oral pH Balance
- The presence of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus salivarius helps to maintain a balanced pH in the mouth. A more neutral pH in the oral cavity reduces the risk of enamel erosion, which occurs when the mouth becomes too acidic.
- Enhances Saliva Production
- L. salivarius can stimulate increased saliva flow. Saliva is important because it neutralizes acids, helps remineralize enamel, and washes away food particles and bacteria. Higher saliva production can help naturally protect teeth from the harmful effects of acid-producing bacteria.
- Biofilm Formation and Colonization
- L. salivarius has the ability to form a biofilm (a protective layer of bacteria) on the surfaces inside the mouth, including teeth and gums. By forming this biofilm, it acts as a protective barrier against pathogenic bacteria and helps maintain a healthier oral microbiome.
- The biofilm produced by L. salivarius also prevents the adhesion of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, making it harder for these bacteria to stick to the tooth surfaces and form cavities.
- Reduces Plaque Formation
- Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and is a precursor to tooth decay. L. salivarius helps reduce the formation of plaque by outcompeting harmful bacteria and preventing them from accumulating on teeth surfaces.
Research and Evidence
Although there is promising evidence regarding the potential oral health benefits of
Lactobacillus salivarius, including its ability to prevent cavities, more research is still needed to fully understand its effectiveness in preventing dental decay in humans. Studies so far have suggested that oral probiotics, including
L. salivarius, can help balance the oral microbiome, reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria, and improve oral hygiene.
- Clinical studies have shown that probiotics like L. salivarius can reduce the number of cariogenic (cavity-causing) bacteria in the mouth. For instance, one study found that oral administration of probiotics significantly reduced the presence of Streptococcus mutans in participants.
- In vitro studies (conducted in the lab) have demonstrated that Lactobacillus salivarius can inhibit the growth of S. mutans and other harmful bacteria by producing bacteriocins and maintaining an acidic environment that is unfavorable for pathogenic bacteria.
How to Use Lactobacillus salivarius for Oral Health
- Probiotic Supplements: Oral probiotics containing L. salivarius are available in various forms, such as capsules, lozenges, or powders. Regular use of these supplements may help improve the balance of bacteria in the mouth and promote overall oral health.
- Probiotic-Rich Foods: While L. salivarius is often used in oral health supplements, it is also found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses. Regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods may help introduce beneficial bacteria into the oral cavity.
- Mouthwashes and Lozenges: Some oral health products are now available that contain probiotics, including Lactobacillus salivarius, in mouthwash or lozenge form. These products can be swished or sucked on to help introduce beneficial bacteria into the mouth and protect against oral health issues like cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Limitations and Considerations
- While Lactobacillus salivarius may help in maintaining oral health and reducing cavity-causing bacteria, it should not be considered a substitute for traditional oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
- The overall impact of probiotics on dental health can vary between individuals, and more long-term studies are needed to fully validate the benefits of L. salivarius in cavity prevention.
Other Conditions
They also have potential benefits in conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, asthma, eczema, diabetes, and dental cavities. However, the research in this particular area is not conclusive.
Safety and Dosage
It has been found that L. salivarius can be well-tolerated if taken orally for up to 16 weeks. The recommended dose of 1-2 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day has been used in adults. The dose has either been administered on its own or with a combination of other probiotics. When it comes to children, the tested dosages have varied. In most cases, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate product and dose to counter specific conditions.
Conclusion
Lactobacillus salivarius has proven itself to be a promising probiotic with potential benefits for intestinal health, immune function, and oral health. Although further research is the need of the hour, available evidence points towards L. salivarius being a valuable addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Be it L. salivarius or any other probiotic, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before you start.
