Grant: Project Grant

Worldwide, 60-90% of school children have dental caries (cavities). Studies have confirmed a direct link between dental caries and a high frequency of sugar uptake per day, which causes an ecological imbalance (dysbiosis) in the stable oral microflora. Probiotic bacteria have become increasingly popular during the last decade because of their health-beneficial effects and their ability to restore microbial homeostasis. Although probiotics containing beneficial bacteria have been used to prevent or combat diseases caused by pathogens, probiotics against dental caries have not worked well because many of these probiotic bacteria do not persist in the oral cavity. Our research proposal aims to develop a new generation of probiotics for oral health care and prevention. We are focusing our study on one human 'friendly' resident, Streptococcus salivarius, a predominant member of the native oral flora that is also present in breast milk. We propose to develop a mixture comprising live probiotic bacteria and natural or synthetic food ingredients to modulate the microbiome to benefit the host. The objectives of this project are: i) To use a high-throughput screening strategy to test a panel of substrates for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria; ii) To study the underlying probiotic mechanisms; iii) To demonstrate health benefits using an in vivo rodent model of caries. Prevention of dental caries continues to present serious challenges. Our project has the potential to offer significant health benefits for oral health care and long-term caries prevention in children worldwide.