Abstract
Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) is a “natural health product.” The high incidence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral microbial infection cases among patients with diabetes mellitus continues to prevail. The potential role of FPP against common oral microbiota (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) isolated from the human oral cavity was investigated using in vitro simulation models of dental plaque and caries. FPP showed an inhibitory effect against the growth (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: −6.9%; S. mitis: −4.47%, P < 0.05), acid production (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: +6.38%; L. acidophilus: +2.25%), and hydrophobicity (at 50 mg/mL: S. mutans: 1.01%, P < 0.01; S. mitis: 7.66%, P < 0.05) of tested microbiota. The results of this study suggest that low doses of FPP may be a suitable complement to good oral hygiene practice for the effective prevention of dental caries, plaque, and gingivitis. The functional application of FPP as a constituent of a balanced diet and active lifestyle can make a positive contribution to the oral health status and well-being of patients with diabetes.
Highlights
Epidemiological surveys have brought to light the high prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral microbial infection cases among patients with diabetes mellitus
Despite that the results of this study indicate that high concentrations of Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) may be acidogenic and have low bacterial tolerance, it is opined that given the refined powdery consistence of FPP and the fact that it is highly soluble in water, upon its oral consumption, it would be capable of stimulating secretion of an appropriate quantity of saliva and FPP would rapidly clear from the oral cavity and encourage a rapid return to baseline pH
Emerging data from this study are highly suggestive that low doses of FPP can be considered as a therapeutic functional food and can counteract the action of various oral microbiota
Summary
Epidemiological surveys have brought to light the high prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral microbial infection cases among patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical data support the use of FPP as a dietary supplement in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus by virtue of its ability to effectively reduce fasting blood glucose levels, low-density lipoprotein/highdensity lipoprotein ratio, and inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and uric acid (Danese et al 2006; Somanah et al 2012). In this context, FPP may prove to be a valuable asset in reducing the risk of developing oral pathologies such as dental caries and gingivitis. Oral health in communities affected by diabetes continues to impact health expenditures on dental services
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
