There are millions of bacteria living in our mouths, making them a busy environment. Some of these bacteria are bad and can cause tooth problems, but others are good and are very important for keeping your mouth healthy.
Probiotics, which are live bacteria that are good for you when you take them, have become a popular natural way to improve your oral hygiene. To speak to a dentist and find out more about how probiotics can help your teeth, click here.
The oral microbiome is a delicate balance.
The oral microbiome is made up of many different types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our mouths. A well-balanced bacteria is important for good oral health.
This delicate balance can be upset by things like poor dental care, some medicines, and underlying health issues. This can cause oral problems like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.
Probiotics are nature’s oral health guardians.
Although probiotics are usually linked to gut health, they can also help oral health by encouraging the growth of good bacteria and stopping the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics can help avoid and treat a number of oral health problems by balancing out the bacteria in the mouth.
The key benefits of probiotics for oral health.
Better gum health.
A common problem with oral health is gum disease, which causes gums to swell and bleed. Because they stop the growth of bad bacteria that cause gum disease, probiotics can help lower inflammation and improve gum health. Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus casei are two types of probiotics that have been shown in studies to help lower gum inflammation and bleeding.
Reduced bad breath.
Having halitosis, or bad breath, is often caused by too many bacteria in the mouth that make sulfur. By lowering the number of these bad bacteria, probiotics can help fight bad breath. Some types of probiotics, like Streptococcus salivarius, have been shown to effectively get rid of bad breath by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
Stopping cavities.
Cavities happen when bad bacteria make acids that wear away tooth enamel. Streptococcus mutans and other germs that cause cavities can not grow when you take probiotics. This means that you will not get cavities. Some types of probiotics, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus salivarius, have been shown to lower the amount of bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities.
Better healing of oral wounds.
Probiotics can also help oral wounds heal, like those that come from accidents or dental procedures. They can speed up the healing process by reducing inflammation and increasing muscle regrowth.
How to incorporate probiotics in your oral health routine.
You can use probiotics to improve your oral health in a number of ways, including:
Probiotic dental products.
Find toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum with probiotics. These items can help keep your mouth bacteria healthy and make your teeth and gums healthier.
Probiotic supplements.
Taking probiotic supplements is an easy way to get more good bacteria into your body. However, it is very important to pick a good supplement with strains that have been studied.
Foods high in probiotics.
Eating things that are high in probiotics can also help improve your oral health. Probiotics can be found in large amounts in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.
Probiotics are a natural way to improve oral health, but they should not be used instead of normal dental care. For the best oral health, you should still floss every day, brush your teeth twice a day, and see your dentist regularly.
You can take charge of your smile’s health and happiness by learning about the role probiotics play in oral health and adding them to your daily practice.
