Probiotic Toothpaste to Assess Microbial Colonization

Colonisation Efficacy of Streptococcus Salivarius M18 Toothpaste

The aim of this study is to evaluate the colonization efficacy of probiotic toothpastes in healthy adults

This is a double blind randomized controlled study with no cross over to evaluate the colonization efficacy of toothpaste containing a commercially available probiotic bacterium Streptococcus salivarius M18.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups for brushing teeth with a probiotic toothpaste containing two different doses of Streptococcus salivarius M18 over a seven day period. Saliva samples will be collected at predetermined time points pre and post intervention. Colonization efficacy will be determined by enumerating the probiotic in the saliva samples using standard microbiological techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• In general good health
• Practise good oral hygiene

Exclusion Criteria:-

• Have a history of autoimmune disease or are immunocompromised.
• Are on concurrent antibiotic therapy or regular antibiotic use within last 1 week
• History of allergy (e.g. dairy).