Conmociones cerebrales

Acacia gum disrupts quorum sensing in key oral pathogens and promotes a balanced oral microbiome. Research published in Frontiers in Oral Health (2024) specifically identifies GA as an anti-biofilm agent that interferes with AI-2 signaling pathways used by periodontitis-associated bacteria, reducing their virulence and shifting microbiome composition toward a healthier balance.

Aloe vera mouthwash has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for its ability to reduce periodontal pathogens and modulate the oral microbial environment. It demonstrates antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, E. faecalis, and periodontal pathogens, and antifungal activity against oral Candida. In a 30-day RCT (270 patients), aloe vera mouthwash reduced plaque and gingival inflammation comparably to chlorhexidine.

Piper betle extracts demonstrate broad-spectrum inhibition of oral bacteria and fungi that constitute the oral microbiome, including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Saliva obtained after chewing betel leaf reduced oral microflora by ~56%. Multiple in vitro and one clinical study support these effects.

Bifidobacterium animalis (subspecies lactis, including strains BB-12 and HN019) has been directly studied for oral microbiome modulation and periodontal applications. Studies using metagenomic sequencing in rat periodontitis models showed significant alterations in subgingival microbiome composition. Clinical trials involving B. animalis subsp. lactis as an adjunct to periodontal therapy showed improvements in gingival inflammation.

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been studied within the genus context for oral microbiome modulation. The Bifidobacterium genus broadly inhibits periodontopathogens and cariogenic bacteria. B. bifidum is included in formulations studied for oral health and has in vitro evidence for inhibiting S. mutans and oral candida.

Bifidobacterium lactis (including strains BB-12 and HN019) has been studied in multiple RCTs and in vitro for effects on the oral microbiome and periodontal health. BB-12 combined with L. rhamnosus GG altered oral microbiota in a 4-week RCT. B. lactis HN019 showed antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, F. nucleatum, and A. actinomycetemcomitans in vitro and improved gingival inflammation in periodontitis patients.

Bifidobacterium longum has been included in oral probiotic formulations and evaluated for its ability to inhibit oral pathogens. In vitro studies demonstrate antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and periodontal pathogens. It is part of the broader evidence base for Bifidobacterium species modulating oral microbial ecology.

Black tea polyphenols selectively inhibit cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity while demonstrating prebiotic-like modulation of overall oral microbial ecology. In vitro evidence shows inhibition of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and other pathogens. Clinical oral microbiome intervention trials are limited.

Huang et al. (2011, Archives of Oral Biology) demonstrated that short and medium-chain fatty acids, including caprylic acid, exhibit antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms including Candida and cariogenic bacteria. Caprylic acid shows anticandidal activity in vitro with MIC values relevant to oral concentrations. Clinical oral use evidence remains primarily in vitro and traditional.

In vitro studies demonstrate that cardamom extracts and essential oil inhibit multiple oral pathogenic organisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and other Candida species, modulating the oral microbial ecology. A cardamom-based mouthwash (Denteez) inhibited 98.2% of clinical Candida isolates in vitro. Cineole, the primary oil component, is a potent antiseptic against oral bacteria.

Catechins selectively inhibit periodontal and halitosis-associated pathogens (P. gingivalis, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, S. moorei) while sparing some commensal organisms, thereby shifting the oral microbiome toward a healthier composition. Both in vitro and clinical data support this antimicrobial rebalancing effect.

Cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde demonstrate broad-spectrum activity against oral microbiome pathogens including S. mutans, P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Candida albicans, modulating the balance between commensal and pathogenic oral flora. A comprehensive PMC review confirmed significant antimicrobial activity against major cariogenic and periodontal pathogens.

Clove essential oil and eugenol exhibit well-documented antibacterial activity against key oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans and periodontal bacteria. Eugenol is an FDA-approved dental antiseptic, and clove-based mouth preparations are used clinically.

A 2025 triple-blind RCT used 16S rRNA sequencing to show coconut oil pulling significantly shifted the oral microbiome in periodontitis patients, reducing pathogenic bacteria (Spirochaetaceae, Tannerellaceae) and increasing beneficial Streptococcaceae, with effects comparable to chlorhexidine.

Coconut oil oil pulling has been studied using 16S rRNA sequencing and shown to significantly shift the composition of oral microbiota in periodontitis patients, reducing known periodontal pathogens. RCTs confirm reductions in salivary Streptococcus mutans and total bacterial colony counts with daily coconut oil pulling.

Multiple in vitro and clinical studies confirm Commiphora myrrh modulates the oral microbiome by suppressing key pathogenic organisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Enterococcus faecalis. Studies have been conducted at clinical scale.

Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs), particularly A-type oligomers, are well-studied for their anti-adhesion and antimicrobial effects against S. mutans and other cariogenic oral bacteria. A systematic review (BMC Oral Health 2024) confirmed cranberry and grape seed flavonoids effectively reduce S. mutans virulence factors. In vivo rat studies showed cranberry PAC treatment significantly reduced caries incidence and severity.

EGCG, the primary catechin in green tea, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against oral disease-associated microbes including S. mutans, P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and Solobacterium moorei (halitosis). Multiple in vitro studies confirm inhibition of biofilm formation and virulence factors. Human studies of green tea consumption show measurable shifts in oral microbiota taxa.

Green tea and its catechins (especially EGCG) have demonstrated direct effects on oral microbiota, reducing cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria while promoting shifts toward healthier microbial communities. Human studies show measurable oral microbiome changes after 2–4 weeks of consumption. Green tea inhibits S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and halitosis-causing bacteria.

Honey, particularly manuka, inhibits key oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and has been shown to reduce plaque indices in clinical studies. Its bactericidal activity against oral pathogens is well characterized in vitro, and clinical trials in periodontal patients demonstrate microbiome-modulating effects.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been studied in combination oral probiotic trials for its effects on oral microbiome and periodontal/halitosis parameters. A 90-day double-blind RCT combining L. reuteri, L. salivarius, and L. acidophilus showed significant reductions in periodontal parameters and halitosis markers in 60 patients with severe periodontitis.

Lactobacillus brevis has been studied specifically for oral microbiome modulation. Clinical evidence shows that L. brevis lozenges significantly delayed the onset of gingival inflammation in healthy individuals who refrained from oral hygiene. Research cited in PMC sources confirms its role in reducing periodontal pocket depth and improving clinical attachment levels.

Lactobacillus casei has been studied for oral microbiome effects including inhibition of S. mutans and reduction of caries risk in children. It is included in critical appraisals of oral probiotics and has in vitro and clinical evidence supporting oral health benefits.

Lactobacillus fermentum has been evaluated in oral microbiome contexts and is documented in critical appraisals of probiotics for oral health. It is one of the Lactobacillus species identified as capable of modulating oral microbial composition and reducing cariogenic bacteria.

Lactobacillus paracasei has been evaluated in oral health contexts, with strain SD1 shown to reduce S. mutans and progression of dental caries. Metagenomic analyses in experimental periodontitis models showed that L. paracasei L9 significantly altered subgingival microbiome composition and reduced pathogenic bacterial genera.

Lactobacillus plantarum has demonstrated inhibition of key periodontal pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro and in clinical studies. A 2024 systematic review found evidence for clinical improvement in periodontal outcomes and caries risk reduction. Heat-killed L. plantarum L-137 has also been shown in clinical findings to inhibit periodontal pocket deepening.

Lactobacillus reuteri (strains DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) is among the most studied oral probiotics, with multiple RCTs documenting reductions in periodontal pathogens, plaque, and gingival inflammation. It produces reuterin, which inhibits anaerobes responsible for gum disease and halitosis. A 12-week pyrosequencing RCT confirmed measurable shifts in oral biofilm composition.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and other strains have been assessed in multiple RCTs for effects on the oral microbiome, including salivary mutans streptococci levels, plaque, and gingival inflammation. A 4-week RCT combining LGG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 demonstrated measurable changes in oral microbiota composition in healthy adults. Clinical evidence suggests benefit for gingivitis reduction.

Lactobacillus salivarius has been studied for its ability to suppress Streptococcus mutans and periodontal pathogens. Strain WB21 was shown in a double-blind RCT to improve periodontal condition scores. A 90-day RCT using a combination including L. salivarius showed significant reductions in halitosis and periodontal parameters.

Lactococcus lactis is a lactic acid bacterium that produces nisin and other bacteriocins documented for activity against oral pathogens including S. mutans and periodontal bacteria. It has been identified in research on oral microbiome modulation and is referenced in scientific literature on oral microbial ecology.

Lactoferrin is an endogenous component of saliva and plays an established role in modulating the oral microbiome by selectively inhibiting pathogenic organisms while supporting commensal balance. It demonstrates antibiofilm activity against major oral pathogens and reduces iron availability for dysbiotic bacteria.

Clinical studies show LPO-system-containing oral hygiene products selectively modulate the oral microbiome, promoting health-associated bacteria while reducing periodontal pathogens. A randomized clinical study (Adams et al. 2017, Sci Rep) found an LPO-enzyme toothpaste caused significant shifts in plaque microbiome ecology. LPO-based lozenges were shown to reduce cariogenic bacteria without disturbing total commensal counts.

Magnolia bark extract selectively inhibits pathogenic oral bacteria—including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum—without eliminating the entire microbiome, supporting a more balanced oral microbiome. A randomized single-blind placebo-controlled trial showed MBE mouthwash significantly reduced S. mutans in dental plaque versus placebo.

Clinical studies show chewing mastic gum significantly reduces total viable bacteria and specifically lowers Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli counts in saliva of orthodontic patients. A 2023 systematic review of 14 studies confirmed inhibition of plaque-associated bacteria. Mastic outperformed both hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine in inhibiting periodontal pathogens without cytotoxicity to oral epithelial cells.

Controlled clinical studies show that 0.2% TTO mouthwash reduces mutans streptococci counts and total oral bacteria, with effects maintained for 2 weeks post-treatment. In vitro data confirms susceptibility of 161 oral bacterial isolates across 15 genera to TTO. A 2025 RCT found 0.2% TTO mouthwash provided antiplaque benefits comparable to chlorhexidine with fewer side effects.

Mint oil beadlets have been tested in a pilot human study, showing measurable shifts in oral microbiome composition, reducing abundance of several genera associated with dental disease and halitosis. Peppermint oil's antibacterial spectrum covers multiple key oral pathogens across both in vitro and limited clinical research.

GML-containing mouthwashes have been studied in human and in vitro oral infection contexts, showing potent activity against oral H. pylori — a key pathogen in oral dysbiosis. Monolaurin reduces H. pylori biofilm, adhesion, and inflammatory cytokine expression in oral epithelial cells, suggesting selective antimicrobial remodeling of the oral microbiome.

TC extracts exert selective antibacterial activity against key oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, H. pylori, and Candida albicans, while clinical mouthwash trials confirm plaque microbiome disruption comparable to chlorhexidine without the latter's side-effect profile.

Myrrh mouthwash has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials for dental plaque and gingivitis control. A 1% myrrh mouthwash reduced plaque accumulation significantly in a double-blind RCT, and myrrh mouthwash improved wound healing after tooth extraction in a separate RCT. Myrrh extracts show in vitro activity against key periodontal pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Multiple randomised clinical trials have compared neem-based mouthwashes and chips to chlorhexidine for plaque, gingivitis, and periodontitis, consistently showing clinically meaningful reductions in oral bacterial load. Active compounds nimbidin, azadirachtin, and nimbinin target both aerobic and anaerobic oral pathogens. Neem-based local drug delivery chips have also been trialled as adjuncts to periodontal therapy.

Oregano oil has well-characterized antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against the full spectrum of major oral microbial pathogens, including S. mutans, S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. IADR research confirmed >99.99% killing of all oral pathogens tested, with potency equivalent to Listerine Naturals™. OEO disrupts oral biofilm architecture, which is foundational to oral microbiome modulation.

A 2024 pilot human study (PMC11356387) found that a mint essential oil blend including peppermint, used twice daily for 7 days, significantly reduced periodontal and caries-associated bacteria (Actinomyces, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Streptococcus mutans) in the oral microbiome. Peppermint EO's antimicrobial effects on the oral microbiome have been observed across toothpaste, mouthwash, and beadlet delivery formats.

Pomegranate peel and juice extracts exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against key oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans. Several clinical studies have evaluated pomegranate-based mouthwashes, finding reductions in plaque, gingivitis, and pathogenic oral bacteria comparable to chlorhexidine.

Bee propolis contains antimicrobial flavonoids (galangin, pinocembrin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid) with documented activity against oral microbiome pathogens including S. mutans, E. faecalis, and oral Candida. In vitro studies confirm inhibition of cariogenic and periodontopathic species. A clinical toothpaste RCT combining propolis and tea tree oil demonstrated stabilization of oral bacterial microflora.

In vitro research directly demonstrates that Ceanothus americanus extracts selectively inhibit key pathogenic oral bacteria — including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia — without being characterized for effects on beneficial commensal organisms. This provides a direct scientific basis for a relationship with the oral microbial environment. No human studies assessing oral microbiome composition have been conducted.

In vitro and clinical studies confirm that S. officinalis extracts inhibit key oral pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida species. A split-mouth RCT found sage gel as an adjunct to scaling improved gingival inflammation markers. Multiple clinical studies support its use in gingivitis and oral infections.

Sesame oil oil-pulling reduces populations of oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, that form dental biofilm and contribute to plaque and dysbiosis. Clinical studies show significant reductions in bacterial load with regular sesame oil pulling. The mechanical swishing action combined with fatty acid antimicrobial properties disrupts microbial biofilm architecture.

Stevia extracts inhibit biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii, downregulate glucosyltransferase (Gtf) genes essential for exopolysaccharide synthesis, and reduce cariogenic bacteria counts. A clinical comparison found 0.5% aqueous stevia leaf extract comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts in high-caries-risk patients.

Steviol glycosides are non-fermentable by cariogenic oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, conferring noncariogenic properties. Preclinical and in vitro studies demonstrate that SGs suppress S. mutans acid production and growth, and in silico analysis suggests SGs bind the S. mutans glucan-binding protein more effectively than eugenol.

Streptococcus salivarius is a dominant commensal of the healthy oral microbiome and is administered as a probiotic (strains K12 and M18) to modulate oral microbial balance. Clinical RCTs show K12 reduces halitosis-causing bacteria via bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances, while M18 improves periodontal parameters. A 2026 RCT of 55 periodontitis patients using M18 lozenges for 12 weeks demonstrated significantly improved pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index versus placebo.

A pilot clinical study using 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing showed that oil pulling with standardized sunflower seed oil transiently and significantly reduced the overall microbial burden of the oral cavity. The oil/saliva emulsion captured bacteria representative of the entire oral microbiome. Evidence is preliminary due to small sample size.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has documented antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens including S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and oral Candida. Combined with propolis in a clinical toothpaste RCT (n=51 patients), it stabilized oral bacterial microflora compared to controls. Multiple studies confirm its role in oral microbiome modulation.

T. chebula extracts have been shown in clinical and laboratory studies to modulate the oral microbiome by reducing cariogenic and periodontal pathogens. A clinical study found aqueous T. chebula rinse reduced salivary S. mutans counts and raised salivary pH. Triphala mouthwash (containing T. chebula) produced significant reductions in oral streptococcal counts in human subjects.

Thymol selectively inhibits oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, periodontopathogens (P. gingivalis, T. forsythia), and Candida species while disrupting biofilm architecture. This modulates the oral microbiome composition demonstrated in clinical periodontal trials. Thymol is a key ingredient in commercially established oral care products with documented microbiome-modulating effects.

Multiple human RCTs demonstrate Triphala mouthwash significantly reduces Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Lactobacillus, and total aerobic colony counts in the oral cavity. A 90-day RCT in schoolchildren confirmed significant microbial reduction comparable to chlorhexidine. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is well-characterized.

Wasabi isothiocyanates, including allyl isothiocyanate, exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against food-borne and oral pathogens. Isothiocyanates are reported to inhibit microbial adhesion and proliferation, reducing dental plaque bacteria. Wasabi has been used traditionally in Japan as an antimicrobial food pairing, underpinning its potential to modulate the oral microbiome.

Goldenseal's broad antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria provides a rationale for its traditional use in oral hygiene and influence on the oral microbiome. In vitro evidence for berberine's activity against oral pathogens is documented, though human clinical microbiome trials are lacking.