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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
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Bifidobacterium dentium
