Introduction
According to Iqaluit Dental Clinic, oral probiotics are specific strains of bacteria that are known to support the oral microbiome and improve your oral health. Unlike gut probiotics which contain bacterial strains native to the gut, oral probiotics contain bacterial strains specific to the oral microbiome.
The Benefits
Typically, oral probiotics are consumed via lozenges, probiotic drinks, and milk so that they can directly colonize the surface of the mouth and form biofilms that improve the immune system of the mouth. Here are a few benefits of oral probiotics:
- It helps to combat halitosis or bad breath – According to a few studies, oral probiotics have been found effective at reducing VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds) that are responsible for causing bad breath and improving breath odour.
In fact, oral probiotics are considered better than mouthwash for the treatment of bad breath since mouthwash kills all bacteria in the mouth, including the good ones. The best dental probiotics for treating halitosis include L. reuteri, S. salivarius K12, L. casei, and L. salivarius.
- It can help to prevent plaque build-up and cavities – The formation of plaque is one of the early signs of bad oral hygiene since it can lead to dental cavities. The most problematic bacteria that is responsible for causing cavities is called Streptococcus mutans which produce acid by feeding on sugar molecules to break down enamel. According to a study, it has been found that a probiotic strain called Streptococcus A12 can fight and prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans and helps to prevent plaque buildup.
Plus, research shows that oral probiotics help to prevent cavities by altering the pH of the mouth, changing the saliva quality, improving the immunity of the mouth, producing antibacterial compounds, and preventing bad bacteria from sticking to teeth.
- It can help to improve the symptoms of periodontitis and gingivitis – Over 40 percent of US adults suffer from a chronic inflammatory condition known as periodontitis (gum disease) or a milder form known as gingivitis. It is important to control gum disease since it can cause irreversible lasting gum damage.
According to clinical trials, oral probiotics have been proven effective at improving the symptoms of gum disease. The improvements included fewer bleeding gums, smaller pocket depth, reduced plaque under the gum line, and lower gingival index. Specifically, L. brevis helped to reduce inflammation and L. reuteri helped to improve the symptoms of gum bleeding and gingivitis.
- It can help to stop oral thrush or candidiasis – Dysbiosis in the oral microbiome can result in fungal overgrowth in your mouth and cause a disease known as candidiasis or oral thrush. The symptoms include the formation of white spots on your tongue which can lead to dry mouth, redness, and a burning sensation.
In order to prevent or reverse oral thrush, you have to stop consuming foods rich in sugars and carbs. And, according to studies, consuming oral probiotics such as S. salivarius K12 and Lactobacillus spp. will prevent candida from forming a biofilm in the mouth.
Conclusion
Iqaluit Dental Clinic suggests you choose an oral probiotic supplement with a high strain count, preferably with at least 3 billion colony-forming units (CFUs). Also, ensure you consume prebiotic food such as garlic, apples, unripe bananas, onions, and more to support the probiotic bacteria.
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