Probiotic Dental Care Using GMO

Filed in archive Microbiology on August 18, 2005

In a previous entry, I have written about the possibility of having probiotic toothpastes out on the market shelves not too long now. It was just an extrapolation, with not just a drop of skepticism. But then, I come across a Nature report that made me realize that well, actually, probiotic dental care products are not exactly that far-off from being a routine part of dentistry, afterall!

Soemtime next year, Oragenics will already be marketing a Streptococcus ratus, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus uberis preparation as a an antibiotic and over-the-counter probiotic for periodontal health in Europe and Asia. A more daring product, however, that is under Phase 1 trials is the Streptococcus mutans "paint". Applied on the the teeth much like the fluoride lacquer, or as a mouth rinse, the product consists of S. mutans genetically modified such that they are not able to produce enamel-eroding lactic acid and is designed to replace their naturally occuring, decay-causing counterparts. It's a one-time treatment that could help prevent cavities.

The idea is scientifically grounded. They say that the mutant strain does not make a recombinant protein or displace other bateria living on the tongue and gums. And certainly, the use of live strains of microbes in probiotics, functional foods and nutraceuticals is nothing new, especially in Asia and Europe. Still, there's something that makes me squeamish. And even CEO Chuck Soponis admits:

You're putting a genetically modified bacteria that's going to be in people's mouths for a lifetime, and that hasn't been done before."

While waiting for the results of the trials, let's go back to good ol' 3-minute tothbrushing.