Brushing and flossing twice daily is a cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but what if there was another weapon in your arsenal for a sparkling smile?
Probiotics, the live bacteria often associated with gut health, are gaining traction in dental care. But do they really work, and if so, how? Let's dive in and explore the lowdown on probiotics for oral health.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are the microorganisms that are found in and on our bodies. These "good" or "friendly" bacteria are naturally found in certain foods and supplements, and they work by promoting a healthy balance of gut flora.
Gut flora, sometimes called gut microbiota, refers to the microorganisms and bacteria that live inside the intestines. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems.” An imbalance in the gut flora may occur because of an infection, prolonged use of antibiotics, and even certain diets. This is where probiotics may help.
Probiotics may have benefits such as:
- Restoring gut microbiota balance: One of the primary roles of probiotics is to restore and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. They do this by competing with harmful bacteria for nutrients and space, thereby helping to prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic microbes.
- Influencing the immune system: Probiotics have been shown to interact with the immune system, helping to regulate its response to pathogens and inflammatory stimuli. By promoting a balanced immune response, probiotics may help reduce the severity of infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Enhancing nutrient absorption: Probiotics may also enhance the absorption of nutrients in the gut by improving the function of the intestinal epithelial cells, or the cells that make up the lining of your intestines. By promoting better nutrient absorption, probiotics may help improve overall health and well-being.
Probiotics for oral health
Just like your gut, your mouth is teeming with a diverse community of bacteria, both good and bad. In fact, according to a study from The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, “The oral cavity has the second largest and diverse microbiota after the gut harboring over 700 species of bacteria.”
Emerging research suggests that probiotics may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, which can in turn support oral health.
Some potential benefits of probiotics for oral health include:
- Reducing cavities: Probiotics may help prevent cavities by reducing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. However, not all probiotics provide the same benefits. Some strains like Lactobacillus may have some involvement in the development of cavities, especially in children.
- Improving gum health: Probiotics may help manage gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum disease) by reducing inflammation and promoting gum tissue health.
- Fighting oral thrush: Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is an overgrowth of fungus in your mouth. This infection can lead to uncomfortable side effects such as white lesions in the mouth, pain that can make it hard to swallow and eat, loss of taste, and more. A study from the journal Nutrients found that probiotics have a beneficial effect on reducing this overgrowth.
- Combating bad breath: Certain probiotics may help combat bad breath (halitosis) by reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds, the main culprits behind bad breath.
Although the benefits of probiotics for oral health seem promising, the research is still evolving and more studies are needed to confirm their long-term benefits. Probiotics are not a magic wand and should not replace established oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing.
Always speak with your dentist before taking probiotics for oral health
Before incorporating probiotics for oral health, it's always best to consult with your dentist. They can help you determine which treatments are right for your individual needs and recommend specific products based on your oral health history.
More research is needed to understand the benefits of probiotics for oral health
While more research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in oral health, the emerging evidence suggests that they may offer promising benefits for teeth and gums. Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine, along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, may help support a healthy smile from the inside out.
