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| Berries curb gum disease. |
Research evidence has found that berries significantly inhibit the bacteria that cause gum infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Berries are more than just tasty and nutritious. They are also medicinal. They stimulate the immune system with anthocyanins and other phytonutrients. Now we find they are also antibiotic with respect to periodontal disease. Who would have thought?
Finnish scientists study berries
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.
Coaggregation among bacteria inhibited
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.As their colonies grow, so will their release of endotoxins, which are toxins within the body. These acidic toxins eat away at the teeth and tissues.
What are bacteria endotoxins?
Most bacteria produce waste products - often called endotoxins. Endotoxins include acids that can break down the dentin of our teeth. These endotoxins can also damage the tissues at our gum line, loosening the gums. As these bacteria colonies grow, they produce increasing amounts of waste products.Gum infections from these bacteria can also 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.
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:
"the high molecular size fractions of lingonberry, bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices have antiaggregation potential on common oral bacteria, the potential being associated with their polyphenolic content.”
What is the mechanism?
This comment by the researchers illustrates the most viable possibility for the mechanism involved in these berries inhibiting gum bacteria. Polyphenols are plant compounds that are produced by plants to deter bacteria from infecting their leaves, stems, flowers and roots.When these plant compounds are consumed, the produce a similar effect of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria within our bodies.
At the same time, plant compounds contain polysaccharides that feed our probiotic colonies - which also fight pathogenic bacteria as they compete for territory.
This means these delicious plant foods provide a triple-whammy: Their nutrients deter bad bacteria, promote good bacteria and in general boost our immune system by stimulating immune cells.
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
Logical Books, 2016.