Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic bacterium commonly used in the dairy industry, especially in yogurt production. Its use for oral health, specifically for gingivitis (gum inflammation), is a more recent development supported by emerging scientific evidence, though the strength of this evidence is still limited.

Several small-scale clinical trials and in vitro studies suggest that S. thermophilus, when included in oral probiotic formulations, may help reduce inflammation, inhibit the growth of pathogenic oral bacteria, and promote a healthier oral microbiome. For example, a few studies have demonstrated that mouthwashes or lozenges containing S. thermophilus can modestly reduce gingival bleeding and plaque scores, potentially by competing with pathogenic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis or by producing beneficial metabolites such as lactic acid and bacteriocins.

However, the evidence is not yet robust. Most studies thus far are small, short-term, and sometimes use multi-strain probiotics, making it hard to isolate the specific effects of S. thermophilus. Systematic reviews on probiotics for gingivitis generally conclude that there is potential benefit but emphasize the need for larger, well-controlled trials, and often note that S. thermophilus is less studied compared to other probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri or Streptococcus salivarius.

In summary, while there is some preliminary scientific support for the use of S. thermophilus in gingivitis, the current evidence is weak to moderate. Further rigorous research is required to confirm its efficacy and establish optimal dosing and delivery methods.

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