German scientists invented chewing gum containing probiotics
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists of the German company BASF have developed chewing gum containing probiotics, which positively influences the condition of the oral cavity and contributes to the prevention of caries.
With the help of biotechnology, scientists enriched the chewing gum with live lactobacilli and bifidumbacteria, which are extremely useful for the human body, since probiotics normalize the flora of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce the risk of dysbiosis, prevent the development of caries, preventing the streptococci (Streptococcus mutans) from multiplying in the oral cavity. It is streptococci, attaching to the tooth enamel and acting on it, lead to the destruction of enamel.
Scientists also developed a toothpaste and mouthwash containing probiotics.
Probiotic chewing gum has already been tested by a large number of volunteers. The developers have already conducted clinical trials of chewing gum on a large number of people and concluded that it is able to significantly reduce the number of streptococci, said BASF representative Andreas Reindl.
However, scientists warn that chewing gum with probiotics is not a substitute for regular tooth cleaning, as the best way to prevent tooth decay is to reduce sugar intake and regular tooth cleaning.
Recall that according to the World Health Organization estimates tooth decay affects about 5 million people in the world.
[