Use of lactic acid bacteria for reducing dental caries and bacteria causing dental caries

Abstract

Strains of Lactobacillus that have been selected for their capability of reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth of mammals through inhibiting activity in combination with good binding to the oral mucins and dental plaque, thereby preventing, reducing or treating dental caries, and products derived from said strains, including agents for treatment or prophylaxis of caries for administration to humans.

1 . (canceled)  
     
     
         2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . A product for inhibiting the growth of dental caries bacteria, comprising cells of at least one strain of  Lactobacillus reuteri  selected to have inhibitory activity against cariogenic bacteria in combination with good binding to oral mucins.  
     
     
         5 . The product according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one strain is selected from the group consisting of:  Lactobacillus reuteri  strain CF2-7F (ATTC PTA-4965), and  Lactobacillus reuteri  strain MF2-3 (ATTC PTA-4964).  
     
     
         6 . The product according to  claim 4 , wherein the product is a food product.  
     
     
         7 . The product according to  claim 6 , wherein the food product is selected from the group consisting of yogurt, jelly, pudding, chewing gum, candy, chocolate, biscuit, cookie, cheese, juice and tea.  
     
     
         8 . The product according to  claim 6 , wherein the food product is a milk-containing product.  
     
     
         9 . The product according to  claim 8 , wherein the food product is yogurt.  
     
     
         10 . The product according to  claim 4 , wherein the product is a dental treatment product.  
     
     
         11 . The product according to  claim 10 , wherein the product is a mouthwash.  
     
     
         12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . (canceled)