Chr Hansen A/S : . Hansen launches probiotic lozenges for dental health

Chr. Hansen's probiotic lozenges can be used by both adults and children from the age of 3, in addition to the regular oral hygiene routine

Press Release | Nov 30. 2020 08:59 GMT

Danish bioscience player enters exciting space of oral health by introducing a combination of a two-strain probiotic blend and arginine

Oral health challenges and dental cavities affect a large number of people worldwide and are substantially caused by a lack of sufficient oral hygiene combined with certain diet and lifestyle choices. It is particularly prevalent in developed countries such as the US and Europe, often due to a higher sugar consumption. Dental cavities have risen to be the no. 1 non-transmissible condition in the world and are the result of plaque forming on the surface of the teeth. There, acid producing bacteria can adhere, converting some of the sugars in food and drinks into acids that break down the tooth over time. If this progresses, cavities may result in pain, tooth loss, infection and other complications, reducing the overall oral health. Oral health conditions in general affect 3.9 billion people worldwide.

A powerful combination of the LGG® and L. CASEI 431® probiotic strains

Chr. Hansen now introduces probiotic lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. It is a convenient solution with scientifically documented ingredients for the maintenance of dental health. The unique combination of the world's most documented probiotic strain LGG® and the L. CASEI 431® probiotic strain has been shown to reduce the amount of acid producing bacteria in the mouth. Acid producing bacteria are known to be a risk factor to dental cavities.

'This new probiotic concept addresses the growing need for a convenient and additional oral care product. It strengthens our probiotic product portfolio, giving global and local dietary supplements, oral care or even confectionery brands an opportunity to expand their portfolios with a natural probiotic solution,' says Linda Neckmar, head of commercial development, Human Health, Chr. Hansen.

Some groups have higher risk of unhealthy oral microbiome

Chr. Hansen's probiotic lozenges can be used by both adults and children from the age of 3, in addition to the regular oral hygiene routine. People of all ages can suffer from the presence of bad bacteria in the mouth, representing a risk of dental cavities, although some groups have a higher risk of unhealthy oral microbiome than others. According to the World Dental Federation, 60-90% of school children in the world experience dental cavities at some point. Thinner enamel and less mineralization put children at higher risk for cavities. ^1,2 When teens are wearing braces, plaque levels increase by up to three times compared to teens not wearing braces, which raises the risk of cavities as well. ^3,4 Also the elderly belong to the risk group, as the higher prevalence of dental root exposal and reduced salvia production promotes the occurrence of dental cavities. ^5,6

'The global oral health care market is growing strongly. Our probiotic concept is designed to help address the factors that might increase the risk of dental cavities. If we take today's probiotic users into consideration, the global target population for this concept is over 9 million people. Looking at the broader oral health space, we see a potential consumer base of over 39 million,' notes Neckmar.

'Chr. Hansen plans to further invest in this space and drive the science behind its solutions. After successfully providing probiotic solutions for other human health areas such as gut, immune, women's and infant health, we are ready to enter the exciting space of oral health. With this launch, we are delivering on our strategic 2025 ambitions to expand Chr. Hansen's probiotics offering in new health areas,' she concludes.

LGG® and L. CASEI 431® are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S

1.Lippert et al. Eur J Oral Sci,2004;112(1):61-66.

2.Ellis et al. 1984 Archives of Oral Biology:29;12:975-81.

3.Klukowska et al. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011;139:e463-e470

4.Øgaard et al. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 1988;94(1):68-73

5.Lopez et al. J Clin Periodontol 2017;44(Suppl. 18):145-152.

6.Bratthall et al Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2005 Aug;33(4):256-64

Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for over 145 years to enable sustainable agriculture, cleaner labels and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 40,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As the world's most sustainable food ingredients company, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose - To grow a better world. Naturally. - is at the heart of everything we do.