Evaluate the impact of your oral treatments on the oral microbiome
Oral and pharmaceutical microbiome
The oral microbiome, a key player in oral health
The oral microbiome is one of the most complex ecosystems in the body, harboring over 700 microbial species: bacteria, yeasts, viruses, archaea, and protozoa.
This ecosystem, dominated by genera such as Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Lactobacillus, performs several essential functions: (1–3)
- Protection against pathogens through competition for adhesion sites;
- Participation in digestion: they facilitate the breakdown of food and the transformation of certain nutrients.
When this balance is disrupted, dysbiosis can promote the development of oral and dental diseases:
Caries: fermentation of sugars by Streptococcus sp. and Lactobacillus → production of acids that demineralize enamel.
Gingivitis and periodontitis: proliferation of anaerobic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis or Treponema denticola.
Oral candidiasis: overgrowth of Candida albicans in the context of an imbalance or immunosuppression.
Halitosis: protein degradation by anaerobes (Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Veillonella).
Maintaining this balance is therefore a central challenge for pharmaceutical companies developing drugs, devices, or oral care products.
Sources :
1. Santacroce L, Passarelli PC, Azzolino D, Bottalico L, Charitos IA, Cazzolla AP, et al. Oral microbiota in human health and disease: A perspective. Exp Biol Med Maywood NJ. août 2023;248(15):1288‑301.
2. Baker JL, Mark Welch JL, Kauffman KM, McLean JS, He X. The oral microbiome: diversity, biogeography and human health. Nat Rev Microbiol. févr 2024;22(2):89‑104.
3. Hampelska K, Jaworska MM, Babalska ZŁ, Karpiński TM. The Role of Oral Microbiota in Intra-Oral Halitosis. J Clin Med. 2 août 2020;9(8):2484.
Studying biofilms to understand and prevent imbalances
In the oral cavity, microorganisms organize themselves into complex biofilms that adhere to teeth, the tongue, or mucous membranes.
- Healthy biofilms → thin, stable, and protective against pathogens.
- Unbalanced biofilms → plaque accumulation, local acidification, and gingival inflammation.
At BYOME LABS, we have unique expertise in analyzing the biofilm form, which is the natural organization of microorganisms.
- In vitro culture on supports that replicate tooth surfaces,
- Use of artificial saliva and simulation of physiological conditions (pH, flow, nutrition),
- Measurement of the impact of your products or active ingredients on the microorganisms of the oral microbiome.
These models allow for the precise characterization of the effects of an active ingredient, device, or medication on the microbial processes involved in caries, gingivitis, or candidiasis.
The BYOME LABS approach
Our tests are designed to support pharmaceutical industry R&D and regulatory teams in the development and validation of oral health solutions.
At BYOME LABS, we:
- Measure the impact of your products and/or ingredients on the oral microbiome, particularly in biofilm mode, which is the natural lifestyle of bacteria;
- Offer fully customizable in vitro analyses tailored to your objectives, needs, and products;
- Help brands develop targeted and effective solutions to restore a healthy oral microbiome and prevent oral diseases.
With 20 years of expertise in microbiology, we have mastered the culture of demanding microorganisms and guarantee robust, actionable data for your pharmaceutical and regulatory dossiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why test a treatment on the oral microbiome?
To prove that it respects or restores the balance of the oral flora, optimizes dental health and prevents infections.
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Can you simulate an infection or oral imbalance?
Yes, we reproduce dysbioses such as candidiasis or periodontitis in vitro to measure the corrective effect of the product.
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How long does it take to get the results?
On average 2 to 4 weeks depending on the protocol.
Byome Labs, French expert in pharmaceutical oral microbiome
Laboratoire de microbiologie et centre R&D – Clermont-Ferrand
Microbiology Laboratory and R&D Center – Clermont-Ferrand
We work with:
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
- Manufacturers of oral and dental medical devices
- Suppliers of active ingredients
Testable products and applications
- Therapeutic mouthwashes
- Medicated toothpastes
- Oral gels and sprays
- Pharmaceutical actives (probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobials)
Benefits for your projects
- Scientific evidence tailored to the pharmaceutical industry
- Data for your regulatory and marketing authorization applications
- Risk reduction in clinical development
- Robust data for your microbiome-friendly claims
- Evaluation of the corrective effect in cases of dysbiosis
Switch to in vitro microbiome analysis
Are you developing an innovative oral care treatment or pharmaceutical active ingredient?
Contact Byome Labs for a customized and scientifically validated protocol.
Also in oral microbiome expertise
Microbiome buccal et cosmétique