.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
Bifidobacterium dentium
Bifidobacterium dentium, a gram-positive anaerobe commonly found in the human oral cavity, plays a dual role in health and disease.
While associated with dental caries due to its carbohydrate metabolism and acid tolerance, B. dentium also contributes positively to gastrointestinal health.
It adheres to intestinal mucus, promotes mucin production, and enhances gut barrier integrity.
Studies suggest its potential in treating inflammatory bowel diseases by upregulating tight junction proteins and reducing inflammation.
Thus, B. dentium exemplifies the complex interplay between oral and gut microbiomes in human health.
General Health Benefits of Bifidobacteria Spp.
Increasingly, the benefits of Bifidobacteria for gut and overall health are demonstrated in research. While specific strains are mentioned here, many of these benefits are widely attributed to Bifidobacteria as a genus.
These benefits include preventing diarrhea, improving lactose intolerance, and enhancing immune modulation. [26.]
They are effective in promoting colon regularity and alleviating constipation, while also preventing oral inflammations and dental caries. [5., 20.]
Bifidobacteria compete with pathogens, protecting against infections and inhibiting virus replication, such as Coxsackievirus B3 and rotavirus. [3., 5., 6., 7., 26.]
They show anticancer properties by enhancing immune response, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and altering gut conditions to prevent tumors. [5.]
Additionally, Bifidobacteria boost immune responses, increase beneficial antibodies, and promote regulatory T cells, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and immune balance. [5., 10.]
They also act as psychobiotics, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and play a role in synthesizing gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism. [2., 5., 8., 15., 18., 28., 29., 31.]
Moreover, Bifidobacteria facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals, promote bone density and repair, and enhance metabolic health by reducing fat accumulation and improving glucose tolerance. [1., 4., 5., 16., 21., 23., 26., 27.]
These findings underscore Bifidobacteria's potential as a therapeutic agent for various health conditions.
Health Benefits of Bifidobacterium dentium
Bifidobacterium dentium is a gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that has adapted to thrive in the unique environment of the human oral cavity.
Bifidobacterium dentium in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract [9.]
Bifidobacterium dentium metabolizes dietary sugars and some amino acids, adheres to intestinal mucus, and tolerates acidic conditions, promoting its survival in the human GI tract.
It prefers plant-based nutrients over host-derived compounds like human milk oligosaccharides and mucin. [9.]
Bifidobacterium dentium is part of the oral microbiome and has been isolated from dental caries.
While its exact role in dental caries is not clear, B. dentium, along with other bifidobacteria like B. breve, B. adolescentis, and B. longum, may be present due to their adhesive properties and acid resistance, potentially contributing to dental caries development. [9.]
Despite this, B. dentium also functions beneficially as a commensal in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bifidobacterium dentium’s Role in Dental Caries and Oral Health
B. dentium is known to metabolize a variety of carbohydrates and survive acidic environments, contributing to dental caries.
It contains genes for acid tolerance, adhesins, proteases, and adherence to salivary glycoproteins, enabling its survival in dental caries. [30.]
Irritable Bowel Disease [17.]
B. dentium N8 adheres to the intestinal barrier, inhibits E. coli adhesion, increases TEER, and reduces paracellular permeability. [17.]
Comparative genomics reveals B. dentium N8 has unique genes for adhesion and immune regulation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
It upregulates tight junction proteins and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential for IBD therapy. [17.]
Intestinal Mucus Layer Enhancement
B. dentium has demonstrated the ability to promote the health and repair of the mucus layer in the gastrointestinal tract, which may promote healing in intestinal inflammation.
B. dentium adheres to intestinal mucus, increases mucin production, and enhances goblet cell function.
It also secretes both acetate and GABA, which stimulate autophagy-mediated calcium signaling and mucin production.
Unlike other bifidobacteria, B. dentium does not extensively degrade mucin glycans, making it a potential therapeutic for diseases with disrupted mucus barriers. [9.]
Laboratory Testing for Bifidobacterium Dentium
Test Type, Sample Collection and Preparation
Bifidobacterium dentium levels are commonly assessed in stool samples. Stool samples may be collected from the comfort of home.
Occasionally, they may be tested as part of an assessment for dental abscesses.
Testing may require avoidance of certain medications and/or supplements including probiotics prior to sample collection. It is important to consult with the ordering provider for full test preparation instructions.
Interpretation of Test Results
Optimal Levels of Bifidobacterium spp.
It is important to consult with the laboratory company used for test interpretation.
B. dentium levels are often reported as part of the total Bifidobacteria spp. present.
One lab company provides the following reference range for Bifidobacterium spp. levels: 6.7e7org/g [25.]
Clinical Implications of High Bifidobacterium spp.
High levels of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome are generally associated with a healthy state and favorable metabolic outcomes.
In the setting of symptoms of dysbiosis or SIBO such as gas, bloating, and/or abdominal pain, further assessment and possible treatments should be considered.
Patients in this scenario who are using probiotics should consider stopping their probiotics.
In rare clinical settings involving either the very young or the very elderly who also have impaired intestinal barriers and/or are immunocompromised, Bifidobacterium may become invasive and cause bacteremia. [10.]
Low Bifidobacterium Abundance
Generally, Bifidobacterium are considered to be beneficial. Low levels of Bifidobacterium have been associated with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [12.]
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including: [12.]
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea [12.]
- Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns [5.]
- Atopic eczema [12.]
- Certain types of infections, including H. pylori and C. dificile infections [12.]
- Conditions associated with dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microbiota) [19.]
- Obesity and metabolic disorders [5.]
- Colorectal cancer [5.]
- Allergies and asthma [12.]
- Mood disorders and depression [5.]
- Autism spectrum disorders [18.]
Therefore, maintaining a high abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome is generally considered a favorable state, associated with better metabolic health, a lean phenotype, and a lower risk of inflammatory conditions like IBD.
Monitoring Bifidobacterium levels may have clinical significance in assessing gut health, disease risk, and potential therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring a balanced microbiome.
Natural Ways to Optimize Microbiome Health [13.]
A healthy diet and lifestyle are foundational for microbiome health.
Diet and Nutrition
- Consume Diverse Foods: increase the variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes to promote microbial diversity.
- High-Fiber Diet: focus on fiber-rich foods to support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Fermented Foods: include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods to introduce probiotics.
- Polyphenol-Rich Foods: consume foods high in polyphenols such as berries, green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine to stimulate beneficial bacteria growth.
- Prebiotics: incorporate prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas to nourish beneficial bacteria.
Lifestyle
- Regular Exercise: engage in consistent physical activity to enhance gut microbiota diversity and composition.
- Stress Management: practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to prevent microbiota dysbiosis.
Medications and Supplements
- Probiotics: consider probiotic supplements to increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: use antibiotics only when necessary to avoid disrupting the gut microbiome.
Environmental Factors
- Limit Artificial Sweeteners: avoid artificial sweeteners that can negatively affect gut microbiota.
- Healthy Sleep Patterns: maintain regular sleep patterns to support a balanced gut microbiome.
Hygiene Practices
- Avoid Over-Sanitization: limit the use of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers to maintain a healthy microbiota balance.
Order Bifidobacterium spp. Testing
Click here to compare testing options and order tests to assess Bifidobacterium spp. levels.
[1.] Al-Sheraji S. H., Ismail A., Manap M. Y., Mustafa S., Yusof R. M., Hassan F. A. (2012). Hypocholesterolaemic Effect of Yoghurt Containing Bifidobacterium Pseudocatenulatum G4 or Bifidobacterium Longum BB536. Food Chem. 135, 356–361. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.04.120
[2.] Allen A. P., Hutch W., Borre Y. E., Kennedy P. J., Temko A., Boylan G., et al. (2016). Bifidobacterium Longum 1714 as a Translational Psychobiotic: Modulation of Stress, Electrophysiology and Neurocognition in Healthy Volunteers. Transl Psychiatry 6, e939. 10.1038/tp.2016.191
[3.] Bae E.-A., Han M. J., Song M.-J., Kim D.-H. (2002). Purification of Rotavirus Infection-Inhibitory Protein from Bifidobacterium Breve K-110. Seoul: COREE, REPUBLIQUE DE, Korean Society for Applied Microbiology.
[4.] Ballini A, Gnoni A, De Vito D, et al. Effect of probiotics on the occurrence of nutrition absorption capacities in healthy children: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2019;23(19):8645-8657. doi:https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_201910_19182
[5.] Chen J, Chen X, Ho CL. Recent Development of Probiotic Bifidobacterium for Treating Human Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Dec 22;9:770248. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.770248. PMID: 35004640; PMCID: PMC8727868.
[6.] Chenoll E, Rivero M, Codoñer FM, Martinez-Blanch JF, Ramón D, Genovés S, Moreno Muñoz JA. Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Strain CECT 7210, a Probiotic Strain Active against Rotavirus Infections. Genome Announc. 2015 Apr 2;3(2):e00105-15. doi: 10.1128/genomeA.00105-15. PMID: 25838473; PMCID: PMC4384477.
[7.] Corrêa NB, Péret Filho LA, Penna FJ, Lima FM, Nicoli JR. A randomized formula controlled trial of Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005 May-Jun;39(5):385-9. doi: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000159217.47419.5b. PMID: 15815206.
[8.] Dinan TG, Stanton C, Cryan JF. Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Nov 15;74(10):720-6. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.001. Epub 2013 Jun 10. PMID: 23759244.
[9.] Engevik MA, Danhof HA, Hall A, Engevik KA, Horvath TD, Haidacher SJ, Hoch KM, Endres BT, Bajaj M, Garey KW, Britton RA, Spinler JK, Haag AM, Versalovic J. The metabolic profile of Bifidobacterium dentium reflects its status as a human gut commensal. BMC Microbiol. 2021 May 24;21(1):154. doi: 10.1186/s12866-021-02166-6. PMID: 34030655; PMCID: PMC8145834.
[10.] Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacteriuml Infections. Bifidobacterium Bacteremia: Clinical Characteristics and a Genomic Approach To Assess Pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017 Jul;55(7):2234-2248. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00150-17. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28490487; PMCID: PMC5483926.
[11.] Fukushima Y, Kawata Y, Mizumachi K, Kurisaki J, Mitsuoka T. Effect of bifidobacteria feeding on fecal flora and production of immunoglobulins in lactating mouse. Int J Food Microbiol. 1999 Feb 18;46(3):193-7. doi: 10.1016/s0168-1605(98)00183-4. PMID: 10100899.
[12.] Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, et al. Bifidobacterium and Their Health-Promoting Effects. Bugs as Drugs. Published online February 1, 2018:73-98. doi:https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.bad-0010-2016
[13.] Hou, K., Wu, ZX., Chen, XY. et al. Microbiota in health and diseases. Sig Transduct Target Ther 7, 135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-00974-4
[14.] Jang H. M., Jang S.-E., Han M. J., Kim D.-H. (2018). Anxiolytic-like Effect of Bifidobacterium Adolescentis IM38 in Mice with or without Immobilisation Stress. Beneficial microbes 9, 123–132. 10.3920/bm2016.0226
[15.] Jang H.-M., Lee K.-E., Kim D.-H. (2019). The Preventive and Curative Effects of Lactobacillus Reuteri NK33 and Bifidobacterium Adolescentis NK98 on Immobilization Stress-Induced Anxiety/depression and Colitis in Mice. Nutrients 11, 819. 10.3390/nu11040819
[16.] Leahy SC, Higgins DG, Fitzgerald GF, van Sinderen D. Getting better with bifidobacteria. J Appl Microbiol. 2005;98(6):1303-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02600.x. PMID: 15916644.
[17.] Lugli GA, Chiara Tarracchini, Alessandri G, et al. Decoding the Genomic Variability among Members of the Bifidobacterium dentium Species. Microorganisms. 2020;8(11):1720-1720. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111720
[18.] Mehra A, Arora G, Sahni G, et al. Gut microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder: From pathogenesis to potential therapeutic perspectives. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2022;13(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.03.001
[19.] Milani C, Turroni F, Duranti S, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Ferrario C, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Genomics of the Genus Bifidobacterium Reveals Species-Specific Adaptation to the Glycan-Rich Gut Environment. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2015 Nov 20;82(4):980-991. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03500-15. PMID: 26590291; PMCID: PMC4751850.
[20.] O'Callaghan A, van Sinderen D. Bifidobacterium and Their Role as Members of the Human Gut Microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2016 Jun 15;7:925. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00925. PMID: 27379055; PMCID: PMC4908950.
[21.] Parvaneh K, Ebrahimi M, Sabran MR, Karimi G, Hwei AN, Abdul-Majeed S, Ahmad Z, Ibrahim Z, Jamaluddin R. Probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum) Increase Bone Mass Density and Upregulate Sparc and Bmp-2 Genes in Rats with Bone Loss Resulting from Ovariectomy. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:897639. doi: 10.1155/2015/897639. Epub 2015 Aug 20. PMID: 26366421; PMCID: PMC4558422.
[22.] Patole SK, Rao SC, Keil AD, Nathan EA, Doherty DA, Simmer KN. Benefits of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Supplementation in Preterm Neonates - A Retrospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 8;11(3):e0150775. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150775. PMID: 26953798; PMCID: PMC4783036.
[23.] Pedret A, Valls RM, Calderón-Pérez L, Llauradó E, Companys J, Pla-Pagà L, Moragas A, Martín-Luján F, Ortega Y, Giralt M, Caimari A, Chenoll E, Genovés S, Martorell P, Codoñer FM, Ramón D, Arola L, Solà R. Effects of daily consumption of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 on anthropometric adiposity biomarkers in abdominally obese subjects: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Obes (Lond). 2019 Sep;43(9):1863-1868. doi: 10.1038/s41366-018-0220-0. Epub 2018 Sep 27. PMID: 30262813; PMCID: PMC6760601.
[24.] Pinto-Sanchez M. I., Hall G. B., Ghajar K., Nardelli A., Bolino C., Lau J. T., et al. (2017). Probiotic Bifidobacterium Longum NCC3001 Reduces Depression Scores and Alters Brain Activity: A Pilot Study in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology 153, 448–459. e8. 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.05.003
[25.] Rupa Health. GI-MAP + Zonulin Sample Report.pdf. Google Docs. https://drive.google.com/file/d/13LXmPBhXV2Y9paOeE5id2OM2X0V5gJ56/view
[26.] Schell MA, Karmirantzou M, Snel B, Vilanova D, Berger B, Pessi G, Zwahlen MC, Desiere F, Bork P, Delley M, Pridmore RD, Arigoni F. The genome sequence of Bifidobacterium longum reflects its adaptation to the human gastrointestinal tract. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Oct 29;99(22):14422-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.212527599. Epub 2002 Oct 15. Erratum in: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Jun 28;102(26):9430. PMID: 12381787; PMCID: PMC137899.
[27.] Stenman LK, Waget A, Garret C, Klopp P, Burcelin R, Lahtinen S. Potential probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 prevents weight gain and glucose intolerance in diet-induced obese mice. Benef Microbes. 2014 Dec;5(4):437-45. doi: 10.3920/BM2014.0014. PMID: 25062610.
[28.] Tian P., Bastiaanssen T. F. S., Song L., Jiang B., Zhang X., Zhao J., et al. (2021). Unraveling the Microbial Mechanisms Underlying the Psychobiotic Potential of a Bifidobacterium Breve Strain. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 65, 2000704. 10.1002/mnfr.202000704
[29.] Tian P., O'Riordan K. J., Lee Y.-K., Wang G., Zhao J., Zhang H., et al. (2020). Towards a Psychobiotic Therapy for Depression: Bifidobacterium Breve CCFM1025 Reverses Chronic Stress-Induced Depressive Symptoms and Gut Microbial Abnormalities in Mice. Neurobiol. Stress 12, 100216. 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100216
[30.] Ventura M, Turroni F, Zomer A, Foroni E, Giubellini V, Bottacini F, Canchaya C, Claesson MJ, He F, Mantzourani M, Mulas L, Ferrarini A, Gao B, Delledonne M, Henrissat B, Coutinho P, Oggioni M, Gupta RS, Zhang Z, Beighton D, Fitzgerald GF, O'Toole PW, van Sinderen D. The Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1 genome sequence reflects its genetic adaptation to the human oral cavity. PLoS Genet. 2009 Dec;5(12):e1000785. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000785. Epub 2009 Dec 24. PMID: 20041198; PMCID: PMC2788695.
[31.] Wang H., Braun C., Murphy E. F., Enck P. (2019). Bifidobacterium Longum 1714 Strain Modulates Brain Activity of Healthy Volunteers during Social Stress. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 114, 1152–1162. 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000203
Test for
Bifidobacterium dentium
Oral Microbiome Test
