MyMicrobiome Standard 23.10 - Oral Microbiome

The most densely populated microbiome in the human body is the gastrointestinal tract—the entrance to which is the mouth. About six million microorganisms live here, which can be classified into five groups: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. Bacteria colonize in the oral mucosa, on the teeth, and on the tongue. Each area is its own ecosystem with its own distinctive diversity. Overall, the oral microbiome is dominated by a bacterial species called Streptococcus.

The MyMicrobiome Standard 23.10 has defined five key microbes, all of which are streptococci:

Streptococcus
mitis

Streptococcus
sanguinis

Streptococcus
mutans

Streptococcus
salivarius

Streptococcus
anginosus

The test criteria for Standard 23.10 oral microbiome

As part of the "Microbiome-friendly" certification, the product to be tested is subjected to the following test runs:

1. Quality test

This step ensures the greatest possible microbiological purity of the product. The product is analyzed for contamination by mesophiles and aerobic microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, molds (TAMC and TYMC). The limit is ≤ 1 x 10 ²cfu/g or ml ^afor products developed for children, eyes, or mucous membranes, which also applies to the oral microbiome.

2. Balance test

Co-cultures are grown from the most common oral microbe, S. sanguinis, and the harmful bacteria/microbe, E. faecalis. A co-culture is exposed to the product to be tested and any change in the ratio of the two microbes is compared to an untreated control group. The ratio of the two dominant microbes must not be disturbed under the influence of the product in order to maintain balance.

3. Diversity test

The microbes mentioned above for the oral microbiome are cultured in the lab. A co-culture is exposed to the product to be tested and the change in diversity compared to the untreated control group. For a balanced oral microbiome, the diversity of the most important key microbes must be preserved.

4. Vitality test

The test is performed on a skin contact model. Each key bacteria is brought into direct contact with the product. In a second approach, the microbes are covered with an agar layer and only then is the product to be tested applied. The agar layer simulates the skin's natural protective layer and the test simulates the potential penetration of the product into deeper layers of the skin. As always, the microbial growth of the two batches is compared with the untreated control group; growth must not be significantly inhibited.

"Our mouth and its mucous membranes are a highly sensitive area. It must tolerate harsh conditions such as hot food or different pH levels. At the same time, it is the gateway to our most important microbiome, the gastrointestinal tract. That's why "Microbiome-friendly" certified products according to Standard 23.10 ensure that the oral microbiome is protected as best as possible."

Dr. Lisa Bäumer, Laboratory management

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