Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis consumption slows down orthodontic tooth movement in mice

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in appropriate amount, can provide health benefits. Although many studies have shown positive results with the use of probiotics in bone loss control, as in periodontal disease, the effect of probiotics on a mechanical force-induced alveolar bone resorption is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the specific probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis on bone remodeling induced by orthodontic tooth movement.

For this study, thirty C57BL6/J male mice were used and divided into two groups: 1- Mice were orally treated with the probiotic; 2- Mice were treated with vehicle. All mice were submitted to the experimental model of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Bone parameters and OTM was evaluated by MicroCT. OTM and TRAP positive cells were analyzed by histomorphometric analysis. Osteoclasts markers were evaluated by qPCR and short chain fatty acids were measured in feces.

Micro-CT analysis showed that probiotic treatment did not modify the alveolar bone parameters. However, supplementation with probiotics restrained the tooth movement, as demonstrated by the reduced distance of OTM. Probiotic-treated mice presented down-regulation of Trap expression and reduced osteoclast numbers compared to the control. Accordingly, probiotics supplemented mice exhibited a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acid in their feces.

The supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis impaired tooth movement without altering the alveolar bone microarchitecture. The effect on bone remodeling induced by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis may be associated with the short-chain fatty acids' production.