Bifidobacterium dentium

Bifidobacterium dentium is a Gram-positive, non-spore forming, and nonmotile species of bacteria in the genus Bifidobacterium. B. dentium is usually identified in the oral cavity of humans where it is associated with the development of plaque and dental caries. It can transiently pass to the intestine leading to its detection in faecal samples. There are at least 38 different strains isolated from mammals. Genomic analysis have shown that B.dentium strains are highly conserved, with over 98.2% DNA sequence similarity across isolates from different mammals. Many strains possess CRISPR-Cas and restriction-modification systems, providing defense against viral infections and foreign genetic material.

B. dentium strains can be differentiated from other bifidobacteria based on their patterns of sugar fermentation. It is commonly isolated from the faecal samples of healthy babies and is found in both the adult and infant intestinal microbiome.

Bifidobacterium species, including B.dentium, are among the dominant members of the human intestinal microbiota and are widely considered beneficial bacteria. In addition to contributing to metabolic and immune functions, certain Bifidobacterium strains have been associated with reducing abdominal symptoms and improving tolerance to discomfort in functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.