Bifidobacterium dentium

Bifidobacterium dentium is a type of bacteria coming from a genus of Bifidobacteria that lives in the human body.  This species is Gram-positive, which means it has a thick cell wall made of polysaccharide called peptidoglycan, and it does not move or make spores.

Although it is mostly known for living in the mouth, it can also be found in the gut, proven by its presence in faeces. Scientists have discovered 38 different types, or strains, of this bacterium in humans and other mammals.

 Where it lives in the body 

 In the Mouth 
B. dentium is often found in the mouth, where it can contribute to tooth decay. It is well adapted to survival in acidic conditions, like those caused by sugar-eating bacteria in the mouth. It can break down 14 different sugars in the process of fermentation which leads to the formation of acids that cause dental plaque by eroding teeth enamel. Because of this, B. dentium is sometimes seen as a harmful bacteria in the mouth, especially when it causes cavities.

Its ability to use so many sugars as nutrients comes from its large number of genes coding for enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate digestion. In addition, it can break down salivary glycoproteins, which makes it even more fit for living in the mouth.

 In the Gut 
Besides the mouth, B. dentium is sometimes found in the intestines. It can stick to the mucus layer that lines the gut and survive there for a short time. It is often found in healthy infants, and also in adults, but is usually not one of the most common gut bacteria.

What makes B. dentium special is its ability to use many different kinds of nutrients. Even when glucose (a common sugar) is missing, it can grow by using other sugars and amino acids. This ability helps it survive in different parts of the body.

 Helping the Body 
Even though it can cause cavities, B. dentium also has some positive effects in the gut.

 Protecting the gut lining: It helps the body make more mucus, which protects the lining inside of the intestines. This can help reduce inflammation and keep the gut healthy.
 Making useful chemicals: B. dentium produces GABA, a chemical that calms the nervous system and may help people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
 Affecting mood and brain: This bacterium can increase the amount of serotonin in the gut and may even affect serotonin in the brain. In studies on mice, B. dentium colonisation of the gut led to changes in brain chemistry that reduced signs of anxiety.

 Tracking Water Pollution 
Scientists can use B. dentium to help detect pollution in water. Some strains are found only in human waste, so if they appear in rivers or lakes, it may mean the water is contaminated with human sewage. This can help identify where the pollution is coming from.

 References 

Category:Bacteria