The “Vitaminic-strategy” Against the Oral Bacteria S. Mutans and F. Nucleatum, Agents of Caries and Halitosis

Background: The oral cavity is one of the most complex human body environments. Indeed, the continuous variation of this habitat conditions reflects the high dynamism of the resident microbial community. Two key actors in the oral diseases are the bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum , both implicated in the formation of oral biofilms and consequently in the generation of common pathologies such as caries and various gingival and soft tissue inflammation diseases. In addition, F. nucleatum is also implicated in the halitosis phenomenon, thanks to its demonstrated ability to produce as second metabolite the hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), one of the volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that, with methyl mercaptan (CH 3 SH) and the dimethyl sulphide (CH 3 SCH 3 ) 24 , is produced by periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria and causes the awkward bad breath in halitosis patients. Methods: In this study, the oral preparation Vea® Oris constituted only by vitamin E and capric/caprylic acid was evaluated as a potential treatment of caries and periodontal diseases; the effect of the product at different concentrations on the growth and the ability of both strains to form biofilm was investigated. Regarding to F. nucleatum also the influence of Vea® Oris on the production of H 2 S was evaluated. Results: Our in vitro results suggested that the Vea® Oris treatment could considerably reduce the growth and biofilm formation of both S. mutans and F. nucleatum. For F. nucleatum an appreciable reduction of the H 2 S production can be also obtained. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlighted the potential of Vea® Oris as a more “natural” adjuvant to prevent the biofilm and plaque formation and to reduce the smelly odour of halitosis.