A new study suggests that bacteria found in the mouth could contain probiotics that could help prevent upper respiratory infections.

The report, published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, suggests that the oral bacteria could be used to prevent these common infections and avoid the need for antibiotics to treat them.

Scientists isolated bacteria from the mouths of healthy volunteers and found two potential probiotic bacterial strains – streptococcus salivarius RS1 and ST3. They say both could help prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, which are caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

Upper respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of visits to the pediatrician, especially in children between the ages of 5 and 12. Antibiotics are the only treatment currently available with prescription rates running as high as 90 percent.

"A probiotic strategy effective in the prophylaxis of pharyngitis, therefore, could provide a significant social benefit," say the researchers.

Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to promote health within their host. So far, the benefits of probiotics have been predominantly explored in the intestinal tract, however, other initial studies suggest they may contribute to wellness in the stomach, vaginal tract, skin and mouth.