Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM on volatile sulfur compounds produced by oral anaerobes

Abstract

Abstract Halitosis is a term that refers to an unpleasant or foul odor originating from oral cavity, which is mainly caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by oral anaerobes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola and Prevotella intermedia. General therapies, such as tooth and tongue brushing or usage of bacteriostat can hardly provide a harmless and continuous therapeutic effect on halitosis. Recent evidence has suggested the potential clinical application value of probiotics in the treatment of halitosis. In this study, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM were identified from four kinds of probiotics and the antimicrobial activities against pathogens related to halitosis and inhibitory effects on VSCs were investigated. The results showed that B. lactis HN019 and L. acidophilus NCFM exhibited superior bacteriostatic action against pathogens related to halitosis and showed remarkable inhibitory effect on the production and emission of VSCs. These findings suggest that B. lactis HN019 and L. acidophilus NCFM may serve as promising parts of a successful halitosis manage plan.