The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on expression of biofilm genes of Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental caries

Background: Dental caries and decay caused by Streptococcus mutans. Sucrose, stimulates S. mutans to yield insoluble glucans to form oral biofilm also called dental plaque to start process of caries. The GtfB and LuxS genes of S. mutans are responsible for development and evolution of biofilm. Lactobacillus plantarum as probiotic can affect the biofilm formation of S. mutans.Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum against S. mutans biofilm formation.Results: Growing biofilm in the presence of sucrose was detected using 100 well microtiter plate crystal violet assay and biofilm formation by S. mutans in the presence of Lactobacillus was detected. Gene expression of biofilm forming genes (GtfB and LuxS) was quantified through Real- time PCR. The transcriptional levels of GtfB and LuxS genes were remarkably down regulated 9.43 -and 4.24- fold change, respectively, when treated with lactobacillus plantarum in comparison with the control group.Conclusions: Lactobacillus plantarum as probiotics can be used effectively to reduce the chance of dental caries by decreasing the effects of S. mutans and their gene expression to conserve good oral health