What Can a Healthy Dose of Probiotics Do for Your Oral Health?

As you grow from childhood to adulthood, it’s critical to make sure that you’re keeping your teeth and gums in great shape.  In a lot of ways, your mouth is the gateway to your body.  The condition you keep your mouth in has an enormous impact on your overall health.

When your brushing and flossing habits aren’t up to par (or consistent), it allows bacteria to settle into the spaces between your teeth.  This bacteria undercuts the efficiency of your entire digestive process and – as some research indicates – can lead to severe diseases like diabetes, heart disease and even stroke.

As you get older and the threat of chronic conditions becomes more probable, it’s crucial to take every step possible to ensure that you’re maintaining your oral health.

Enter: Probiotics

Probiotics are something you might already be taking for general health and wellness – or, you might be eating probiotic foods like yogurt without even realizing their benefits!  Generally, probiotics have been linked to increased digestive health.  They’re healthy bacteria that restore the function of the stomach lining.  Those positive benefits have been used for years to treat people suffering from acid reflux or other digestive issues. However, recent studies point to the potential for probiotics to benefit oral health, too.

Fight Stinky Breath

For most people, a case of bad breath (especially chronic bad breath) is caused by a build-up of nasty bacteria in your mouth or gut.  These bacteria can be extraordinarily challenging to get rid of.  The solution?  Balance them out with good bacteria!

One study had a population of people use an antimicrobial mouthwash and a probiotic to stimulate beneficial bacterial growth.  After three days, researchers determined that the combination had helped 85 percent of participants reduce harmful stomach or mouth bacteria, reducing the persistence of halitosis.

Reduce Plaque Build Up

Some bacteria are critical to the proper function of your mouth.  Some, however, are nothing more than troublemakers.  Take, for instance, a bacterium called Streptococcus mutans.  This bacterium turns sugar (one of the most common ingredients in food) into lactic acid.  The increased acidity in your mouth promotes an environment that leads to plaque build-up and cavity formation.  A dose of probiotics has been shown to counteract the impacts of S. mutans.

Combat Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease in people.  Common symptoms of gingivitis are tender, bleeding, swollen gums and in some cases sensitive teeth.  If ignored or left untreated gingivitis can eventually develop into periodontitis which causes bone loss around your teeth.  Gum recession and other conditions like dentin hypersensitivity are other factors that can result from gingivitis.

In 2006, a study doled out probiotics to nearly 60 people and asked them to take supplements for two weeks.  At the end of the trial period, the people taking the highest dose of probiotics were shown to have dramatically improved gum disease symptoms.

One Part of a Healthy Regime

If you’re experiencing symptoms of early gum disease, a course of probiotics can help.  Of course, these supplements are just one part of the normal routine of dental care.  If you have questions, Levenson Periodontal Associates is here to help with your oral health conditions.  Contact us today to find out more about the benefits of probiotics and other oral care tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy.