Suppose you are concerned about your oral health and want to do everything–even beyond your daily routine of brushing and flossing–to encourage and stimulate good oral health. If so, probiotics may be something you should consider adding to your diet and/or supplements.
Studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics can inhibit harmful bacteria growth in the mouth. This is significant because an imbalance of bacteria can lead to various oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. By incorporating probiotics into your daily routine through supplements or foods like yogurt or kefir that contain live cultures, you may be able to promote a healthier balance of oral microbiota, potentially reducing dental problems and contributing to better overall oral hygiene.
At Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry, we are continually seeking ways to improve oral health so we can pass this education on to our patients. In this article, we discuss what probiotics are and how they can improve your oral health. We hope you find this information helpful in your healthy oral hygiene practices.
Health Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, that are good for you, especially for your digestive system but they also have benefits for oral health. These microorganisms are similar to those that live naturally in the body. They have a positive effect on maintaining or improving the balance of “good” bacteria in the body. Most people associate probiotics with improving gut health and digestion; however, research has shown they have potential benefits for oral health.
Probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Some common conditions they treat are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Infectious diarrhea caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites
- Diarrhea caused by antibiotics
There is also research that indicates probiotics are useful for issues in other parts of your body, including:
- Oral health
- Skin conditions like eczema
- Urinary and vaginal health
- Preventing allergies and colds
Types of Probiotics
Many types of bacteria are classified as probiotics. They all have different benefits, but most come from two groups: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus is the most common probiotic. You find it in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help people who can’t digest lactose (the sugar in milk). Bifidobacterium is in some dairy products and can ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions. Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast found in probiotics that helps fight diarrhea and other digestive problems.
One of the most effective types of probiotics for your mouth is Lactobacillus reuteri. This strain has been shown to inhibit harmful bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. It works by producing antimicrobial substances that protect against pathogens that cause cavities.
How Probiotics Benefit Your Mouth
Probiotics offer a range of benefits when it comes to your oral health.
- Balance Microbes – First, probiotics help balance the microbial environment in your mouth by overtaking harmful bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. They reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, such as Streptococcus mutans, which can cause cavities.
- Reduce Inflammation in Gums – It has also been shown that probiotics can reduce inflammation in the gums, which directly improves those who suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease.
- Minimize Plaque Formation – Lastly, probiotics can minimize plaque formation on the surfaces of teeth. Plaque buildup leads to unsightly stains and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Probiotics interrupt this process by inhibiting the growth of plaque-causing bacteria.
Best Probiotics for Your Mouth
As earlier stated, probiotics can be ingested through food or supplements.
Food
Here is a list of foods that contain probiotics that are good for your oral health.
- Dairy – Yogurt, kefir, cultured cottage cheese, cream cheese, buttermilk. It is important to note that heat-treated yogurt loses its probiotics.
- Fermented vegetables – Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled cucumber, and miso
- Fermented tea – Kombucha
- Cheese – Swiss, Provolone, Gouda, Cheddar, Edam, Gruyere, and aged cheeses
- Nuts – Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews
- Cacao nibs or dark chocolate – Without added sugar, these can prevent cavities
- Sourdough bread
Supplements
When shopping for supplements containing probiotics, you may be overwhelmed with choices. Which are the best probiotics for your mouth? With so many options available, which ones should you choose? Based on your particular oral issues, you may choose one over another. Generally, here are some of the best probiotics for oral health issues to look for in supplements.
Lactobacillus Reuteri
One of the most effective types of probiotics for your mouth is Lactobacillus reuteri. This is a strain that has been shown to inhibit harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. It works by producing antimicrobial substances that protect against pathogens that cause cavities.
Streptococcus Salivarius K12
Another option that works for oral health is Streptococcus salivarius K12. This probiotic has been found to reduce bad breath and prevent infections such as tonsillitis and strep throat. This specific strain colonizes in the oral cavity and produces bacteriocins that fight harmful bacteria.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces inflammation and inhibits plaque formation, maintaining healthy gums. You can find this probiotic strain in milk that has been fermented with the bacteria and in supplements.
Bifidobacterium Lactis BL04
Bifidobacterium lactis BL04 has benefits on oral health by suppressing periodontal pathogens, promoting healing after dental procedures, and enhancing the immune response in the mouth.
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry Today for an Appointment
If you need a routine dental cleaning and checkup or if you are having dental issues of any kind, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our professional team at Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry is here to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Call our Holly Springs dentist at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203, or use the convenient online form below to schedule an appointment.