Probiotics, defined as viable microorganisms, are widely known for their health benefits. These are also gaining a lot of popularity in the field of oral health care. In this blog, you will get to know about probiotics and their impact on oral health.
Probiotics- Living microbes
Probiotics are usually defined as living microbes, or as food ingredients comprising living microbes. These are known for positively influencing the health of the host when used in adequate numbers. In simple words, probiotics are healthy bacteria that are usually known for their impact on digestive health. However, they are also emerging as an excellent tool to improve oral health.
The use of probiotics in oral health improvement
Today, you can find several products in the market containing probiotics, viable bacteria with numerous health benefits. Generally, probiotics are used for improving gut health. Clinically, probiotics are used for the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections and diseases. However, in the last few years, several investigations have also recommended the use of probiotics for oral health purposes.
When considering oral health, probiotics have the potential to rebalance the oral microbiome. Besides, when administered in adequate amounts, they tend to:
- Improve microbial-host dysbiosis
- Reduce the risk of dental disease
These bacteria play an important role in altering the ecology of our mouths. They crowd out and regulate levels of specific oral pathogens.
Benefits of probiotics for oral health
It has been revealed in several studies that probiotics offer better improvement in gingival health due to their anti-inflammatory action. Some evidence also suggests a reduction in levels of cariogenic bacteria including streptococcus mutans, which further helps in reducing the risk of dental decay. Let’s look at the benefits of probiotics in detail:
Plaque prevention:
Different types of bacteria are found in our mouth. Some of these bacteria can be responsible for the development of plaque. Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, also known as S. mutans is a cavity-causing bacteria that converts sugar into lactic acid. This creates an acidic environment in the mouth, thereby leading to cavities and plaque. A strain of probiotics bacteria known as A12 can help fight against Streptococcus mutans and prevent the development of plaque.
Prevent bad breath:
Bad breath is often triggered by bacteria in your mouth or gut. Oral probiotics can help fight bad breath by reducing the amount of bad breath causing bacteria. As per some research, probiotics are much better than using an antibacterial mouthwash for bad breath. Why? Well, it is believed that mouthwash not only kills bad breath causing bacteria but also removes all good bacteria that are important for a healthy mouth and oral microbiome. On the other hand, probiotics help restore balance and improve overall oral health.
Reduce symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis:
Probiotics also play a key role in reducing the symptoms of gingivitis, also known as gum disease. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are swollen, tender gums and sensitive teeth. Similarly, probiotics are effective in reducing the symptoms of periodontitis, which is also gum disease. Periodontitis is a prolonged inflammatory condition that is associated with higher rates of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and many others. If not treated on time, these diseases can do lasting damage. Many clinics are using oral probiotics for improving various gum disease symptoms such as plaque, bleeding gums, etc.
Treat oral candidiasis:
Oral candidiasis or oral thrush is a fungal condition in which candida fungus overgrows and forms white spots on the tongue. Some of the common symptoms of oral thrush include redness, burning, and dry mouth. To prevent the oral thrush condition, many doctors suggest a reduction in the consumption of sugars and carbs that feed the candida yeast. A change in diet will restrict the growth of candida in the absence of an adequate food source. However, this dietary change alone is not enough to treat this condition. High-quality oral probiotics are recommended to prevent or reverse the symptoms of oral thrush. The invasion of good bacteria from the oral probiotic will eliminate any remaining candida microbes.
Prevent respiratory infections:
Respiratory infections are usually the infections of the respiratory tract caused by a variety of bacteria or viruses. Some of the most common types of respiratory infections include sinusitis, common cold, strep throat, and bronchitis. With the help of oral probiotics, the risk of respiratory infections can be reduced to a great extent, especially in children.
Treat oral cancer:
Due to the presence of some harmful bacteria in the mouth, oral cancer may develop in some parts of the mouth. It is assumed that correcting dysbiosis of the oral microbiome may help in reducing the risk of developing oral cancer. oral probiotic strains like L. rhamnosus GG, L. plantarum, Acetobacter syzigii, and L. salivarius REN may help in preventing oral cancer growth,
Best probiotic foods
If you are thinking about how to consume probiotics, then chewable tablets or lozenges are the best ways to take probiotics. These allow the good bacteria to be delivered right to the surfaces of the mouth where biofilms are formed by bacteria. To boost the growth of good bacteria, it is also important to eat plenty of prebiotics. Some of the best probiotic food that you must include in your diet are:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Apples
- Bananas (unripe)
- Raw dandelion greens
- Flaxseeds
- Artichokes
- Cocoa
- Chicory root
- Asparagus
- Leeks
- Raw jicama, etc.
Conclusion:
To conclude, it is important to consume prebiotics every day to enhance and improve the growth of good bacteria and fight against various oral health issues. You can also discuss with your dentist about the best prebiotics that can help improve your overall oral health.
TruCare Dentistry in Roswell is one such best platform where you can get the right consultation regarding your oral health. If you are in G.A. Roswell, book your appointment now and get the best consultation from renowned dental professionals.