BLIS Technologies Targets New Probiotic Against Tooth Decay
BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT) announces that it is introducing a new BLIS probiotic into the New Zealand retail market
called BLIS M18™. This new BLIS probiotic has been shown in clinical trials to inhibit bacteria associated with tooth
decay and has been a big success in the United States where it was introduced to the market in 2010.
BLIS M18™ is a specific strain of S. salivarius; a species of beneficial bacteria, which is found naturally occurring in
the mouth of healthy individuals. In addition to being part of the dominant, healthy bacteria of the mouth, the BLIS
M18™ probiotic strain also secretes powerful antimicrobial molecules called BLIS: Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances
that target the bacteria known to cause tooth decay. In addition to killing these tooth-destroying bacteria, BLIS M18™
has two additional enzymes, which help to further protect the teeth. One enzyme helps to maintain the natural pH of the
mouth, which protects the enamel from acid damage, while the other enzyme helps to breakdown the biofilm on teeth, which
can turn into dental plaque.
The Company believes that most people practice regular hygiene routines, such as brushing their teeth, flossing and
using mouthwash to reduce the “bad” bacteria in their mouths, teeth and gums but these practices, while important, only
provide short-term results and in some cases over use of alcohol based antibacterial mouthwash can disrupt the natural
balance of beneficial microorganisms inside the mouth and on the teeth and gums.
BLIS M18™ is a new generation of BLIS probiotic that ideally should be used in conjunction with regular oral hygiene
practices to establish a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and naturally protect the teeth and gums according to
the Company.
This new BLIS M18™ probiotic for teeth and gums is supported with a number of clinical studies where it has been shown
that daily consumption of the BLIS M18™ probiotic reduced dental plaque and reduced S. mutans, the bacteria found on
teeth and known to cause tooth decay.
BLIS Technologies has launched the BLIS M18™ probiotic on its website www.blis.co.nz and the goal is now to educate the
consumers and grow the market. In future, the Company is planning to launch BLIS M18™ into the retail pharmacy along
side its other major dental product “The BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit” that includes the Company’s other probiotic for a
healthy mouth and throat; BLIS K12™. The Company believes that its products containing BLIS K12™ and BLIS M18™ will give
a very high level of oral health care. Research around the globe is showing the growing connection between individuals
with poor oral healthcare and their increasing risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, complications from
diabetes and pre-term labour in women.
"We are delighted to be able to finally introduce this new tooth protective probiotic into New Zealand" said Dr Barry
Richardson, Chief Executive of BLIS Technologies. "We believe that the consumers will find that this probiotic really
helps protect against tooth decay, especially in children who are prone to eating sweet foods and drinking acidic
beverages such as orange juice and fizzy colas."
Ends