The Science

Moving from "Kill All Germs" to Microbiome Stewardship

A New Approach to Oral Health

For over a century, oral care has focused on sterilization—killing bacteria with alcohol-based mouthwashes and harsh chemicals. But here's the problem: your mouth isn't meant to be sterile.

Your oral cavity is home to over 700 species of bacteria. Health isn't defined by eliminating them all—it's defined by balance. When you use harsh antimicrobials, you create an ecological vacuum. Bad bacteria often recolonize faster than the good ones, leading to worse outcomes over time.

"Health in the mouth is defined not by sterility, but by homeostasis—a balanced state where beneficial organisms keep harmful ones in check."

Melt takes a fundamentally different approach based on three mechanisms:

  • Seed

    Introduce specific probiotic strains that occupy space and crowd out harmful bacteria.

  • Feed & Starve

    Feed the good bacteria while starving cavity-causing pathogens of their energy source.

  • Rebuild

    Restore the mineral structure of enamel using the same material your teeth are made of.

    The 3-Strain Probiotic Blend

    Not all probiotics are equal. The effectiveness of probiotic therapy depends entirely on strain specificity—the unique genetic capabilities of each specific bacterial strain. Melt contains a patent-protected consortium of three strains:

     

    Lactobacillus salivarius LS97

    The Competitive Excluder

    LS97 is naturally found in the human mouth and produces bacteriocins—natural antimicrobial peptides that specifically target harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (the primary cause of cavities).

    How It Works

    Physical Blocking: LS97 binds directly to cavity-causing bacteria, preventing them from attaching to your teeth. Instead of forming destructive biofilms, the pathogens remain floating and get cleared away.

    Immune Enhancement: Clinical trials show LS97 increases Salivary IgA (sIgA)—your mouth's primary antibody that traps pathogens before they can cause damage.

    Lactobacillus paracasei LC86

    The Anti-Inflammatory Biofilm Disruptor

    Gum disease isn't just caused by bacteria—it's driven by your body's inflammatory response to those bacteria. LC86 helps regulate this response.

    How It Works

    Reduces Inflammation: LC86 significantly reduces pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), helping resolve gingivitis and prevent progression to periodontitis.

    Weakens Plaque Structure: LC86 inhibits the genes that allow bacteria to build "sticky" plaque. The resulting biofilm is weaker and easier to remove with brushing.

    Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85

    The Gut-Oral Axis Modulator

    Oral health is connected to gut health. LA85 works both in the mouth during tablet dissolution and continues its journey through your digestive system.

    How It Works

    Systemic Immune Support: LA85 enhances overall immune function, supporting your body's ability to manage oral bacteria.

    Microbiome Restoration: Clinical trials show LA85 helps restore microbial balance, particularly after disruption from antiseptic products.

    Clinical Validation

    A randomized controlled trial on patients with chronic periodontitis showed that this exact 3-strain blend significantly reduced pocket depth and bleeding, while increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful species.

    More than a sweetener—it starves cavity-causing bacteria

    Xylitol: The Metabolic Trojan Horse

    Xylitol isn't just for taste. It's a potent active ingredient with a unique mechanism called the Futile Cycle.

    • Bacteria Mistake Xylitol for Food

      Cavity-causing bacteria have transport systems designed to grab sugar molecules. Xylitol looks similar enough that they "mistake" it for food and pull it inside.

    • The Metabolic Dead End

      Once inside, bacteria try to process xylitol but can't. They lack the enzymes needed. The xylitol molecule just accumulates, becoming toxic.

    • Energy Drain

      To survive, bacteria must spend more energy to expel the xylitol. This cycle—absorb, fail to process, expel—drains their energy reserves without giving them anything in return.

    • No Acid, No Cavities

      Starving bacteria can't produce the lactic acid that dissolves enamel. Result: no new cavities.

      • 64%

        Reduction in harmful bacteria with xylitol

      • 0️⃣

        Calories bacteria get from xylitol

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        Increased saliva flow for natural remineralization

        Beyond Starvation: The Anti-Stickiness Effect

        Xylitol also downregulates the genes bacteria use to produce "sticky" glucans—the glue that holds plaque together. Plaque exposed to xylitol becomes less adhesive and easier to brush away.

        Rebuild enamel with what it's actually made of

        Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite

        Your tooth enamel is 97% hydroxyapatite. Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (m-HAP)is a synthetic version that mimics the exact crystal structure of natural enamel. Unlike fluoride which chemically hardens teeth, m-HAP physically rebuilds them.

        How Biomimetic Repair Works

        When m-HAP particles contact your teeth, they release calcium and phosphate ions that fill micro-cavities and surface defects. The particles bind directly to your natural enamel crystals, creating a "crystal bridge" that restores structural integrity.

        ⚖️ Clinical Equivalence to Fluoride

        Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that toothpaste with 10-20% m-HAP is non-inferior to standard fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavity progression—making it a clinically equivalent alternative, not just a "natural" option.

        • ✨Remineralization✨

          Fills in demineralized areas and incipient cavities with biocompatible calcium phosphate.

        • 🔇Sensitivity Relief🔇

          Particles physically plug open dentinal tubules, blocking the nerve signals that cause pain.

        • 🪞Glass-Smooth Surface🪞

          Fills microscopic scratches, creating a smooth surface where bacteria struggle to attach.

          "By polishing enamel to a 'glass-like' smoothness, m-HAP creates a 'Teflon-like' effect where bacteria simply slide off the tooth surface."

          Targeted nutrition for gum tissue repair

          Guava Fruit Powder

          While probiotics and hydroxyapatite focus on teeth and bacteria, guava fruit powder specifically supports your soft tissues—the gums and periodontal ligament.

          Vitamin C: The Collagen Builder

          Gum tissue is primarily made of Type I Collagen. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis—without it, gum tissue becomes fragile and prone to bleeding.

          Guava contains 4x more Vitamin C than oranges (228mg per 100g). Delivering it topically via a chewable ensures high concentrations reach the gum tissue directly.

          Flavonoids: Quercetin & Morin

          Guava is rich in bioactive flavonoids that provide:

          Natural Antimicrobial Action

          Research shows guava extracts significantly inhibit the bacteria that cause periodontal disease (P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans).

          Biofilm Disruption

          The compound Morin reduces the production of sticky glucans, weakening plaque structure.

          Anti-Inflammatory Effects

          Quercetin inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds, reducing gum swelling, redness, and bleeding. Studies show guava extract performs comparably to chlorhexidine—without the side effects.

          Why timing your oral care to bedtime matters

          The "Sleep Window" Advantage

          The effectiveness of these ingredients depends oncontact time. Toothpaste and mouthwash are rinsed away in seconds. Melt is designed for use after brushing, before sleep—leveraging your body's natural rhythms.

          During sleep, saliva flow drops dramatically. Your mouth becomes warm and stagnant—perfect conditions for bacterial growth. This is why "morning breath" happens and why cavities can progress overnight.

          Melt turns this vulnerability into an advantage:

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            Extended Retention

            Without the constant "washout" of saliva, active ingredients remain concentrated on teeth and gums for the full 8-hour sleep cycle.

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            Optimal Colonization

            Probiotic strains have hours to adhere to surfaces and establish colonies without being disrupted.

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            Deep Remineralization

            Hydroxyapatite particles have extended time to slowly dissolve and precipitate into enamel micropores.

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            Maximum Bacterial Stress

            Cavity-causing bacteria face high xylitol concentrations when they're most active but nutrient-deprived.

            "By introducing active agents during low salivary flow, Melt transforms a physiological vulnerability into a therapeutic advantage."

            Experience the Difference

            Science-backed oral care that works with your body, not against it.

             
             

            Scientific References

            1. CN114149939A - Probiotic composition capable of relieving dental caries. Google Patents.

            2. Assessment of the Effectiveness of Probiotics-assisted Physical Interventions in Chronic Periodontitis. ResearchGate.

            3. Schlagenhauf, U., et al. (2019). Impact of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression. Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry.

            4. Steinert, S., et al. (2020). Whitening Effects of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite. Biomimetics.

            5. WO2021103534A1 - Lactobacillus salivarius LS97 and application thereof. Google Patents.

            6. Consensus. What is the mechanism of action of xylitol?