Several berries fight oral bacteria
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland’s Department of Biosciences have determined that bilberries, blackcurrants, crowberries and lingonberries deter the growth of bacteria that infect the gums and form plaque on the teeth.
The research tested a number of fruits, but these berries were found to have the most inhibitory effect. The bacteria species tested included Streptococcus mutans combined with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Streptococcus mutans combined with Actinomyces naeslundii. Both combinations are found among people with gingivitis and periodontal disease, as well as those with tooth decay and plaque formation.
The researchers found that these berries prevented a process called coaggregation. Coaggregation occurs when multiple species of bacteria cooperate to adhere to a particular surface. When bacteria adhere to teeth or gum tissue, they begin to colonize. Their colonies will grow in number, in other words.
This colonization is what eventually causes tooth decay and gum disease. The teeth become decayed as the bacteria leach acids that eat away at our teeth enamel. Then the bacteria slip in between the edges of our gums – where they meet our teeth.
Bacteria waste products
These bacteria produce waste products, including acids that eat away at the dentin of our teeth. They will also eat away at the tissues at our gum line, loosening the gums. As their colonies grow, they produce increasing amounts of waste products.
Gum infections of these bacteria can leak these waste products into the bloodstream, where they can damage the lining of artery walls. For this reason, Streptococcus mutans and other gum infective bacteria have been linked to carotid artery damage.
How do berries slow the bacteria?
The researchers determined that those berry solutions containing higher levels of polyphenols, which included proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins inhibited the bacteria the most. The researchers concluded that “the high molecular size fractions of lingonberry, bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices have antiaggregating potential on common oral bacteria, the potential being associated with their polyphenolic content.”
In other words, these plant chemicals help prevent the bacteria from growing and adhering to our teeth and gums. Why do they work so well? Because the berry plants produce these types of plant chemicals in order to repel the growth of bacteria on the berry plant. So as it turns out, what helps the plant helps the body.
If you drink smoothies like I do, you might consider adding berries to your smoothie.
REFERENCES:
Riihinen K, Ryynänen A, Toivanen M, Könönen E, Törrönen R, Tikkanen-Kaukanen C. Antiaggregation potential of berry fractions against pairs of Streptococcus mutans with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Actinomyces naeslundii. Phytother Res. 2011 Jan;25(1):81-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3228.
Adams C. Oral Probiotics: Fighting Tooth Decay, Periodontal Disease and Airway Infections Using Nature’s Friendly Bacteria