Probiotics. A Potential Ally for Oral Health.

Probiotics are well-known for their positive effects on digestive health, but did you know they might also benefit your mouth? Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that support the health of their host—whether that’s your gut or, as emerging research suggests, your mouth.

Studies have shown that probiotics can help maintain good oral health by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth. This article will explore recent findings on how probiotics might help prevent and treat common oral infections.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help keep harmful microorganisms in check. They are most commonly found in yogurt, kefir, and supplements. While probiotics are mainly associated with digestive health, their role in oral health is gaining attention. Researchers are now investigating whether these beneficial bacteria can prevent and treat infections in the mouth, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Why Consider Probiotics for Oral Health?

The mouth is home to millions of good and bad bacteria. An imbalance of these bacteria can lead to oral infections like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Probiotics may help by restoring the balance of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the number of harmful bacteria that cause these issues.

The reviewed literature on probiotics suggests that they can decrease the number of harmful bacteria, known as colony-forming units (CFUs), contributing to oral infections. By lowering CFU counts, probiotics could help maintain oral health and possibly reduce the need for more aggressive dental treatments.

What the Research Says

A review of 15 scientific articles focused on probiotics in oral health found promising results. The review included 12 high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs), two meta-analyses, and one systematic review. These studies assessed the effectiveness of different probiotic strains in preventing and treating oral infections.

The results were encouraging. Most studies showed that probiotics helped lower the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth, suggesting that they may be useful in preventing infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. However, while the results are promising, the researchers noted that more long-term studies are needed to confirm how well probiotics work over time.

What’s Next for Probiotics in Dentistry?

While the research is promising, there is still much to learn. For instance, it’s important to identify which specific probiotic strains are most effective for oral infections. Knowing the right dosage, treatment duration, and how best to deliver probiotics to the mouth (through chewing gum, lozenges, or toothpaste) is key to maximizing their benefits.

Long-term studies are also needed to confirm the lasting effects of probiotics on oral health. While short-term results are positive, the real test will be whether probiotics can reduce the incidence of oral infections over time.

Should You Use Probiotics for Your Oral Health?

If you’re interested in using probiotics to support your oral health, talk to your dentist. While the current evidence is promising, probiotics should be viewed as a supplement to—not a replacement for—regular oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

In addition to considering probiotics, you might also want to explore other oral health products designed to combat gum disease and other infections. For instance, some toothpastes are specifically formulated to help with gum disease. You can learn more about these options here.

Take home message.

Probiotics show potential as a helpful addition to your oral health routine. They may reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and help prevent common infections like gum disease and cavities. However, more research is needed to understand which probiotic strains work best, how much to use, and how long the benefits last.

Sources:

Seminario-Amez M, López-López J, Estrugo-Devesa A, Ayuso-Montero R, Jané-Salas E. Probiotics and oral health: A systematic review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2017 May 1;22(3):e282-e288. doi: 10.4317/medoral.21494. PMID: 28390121; PMCID: PMC5432076.

In the meantime, maintaining good oral hygiene and speaking with your dentist about the best products and strategies for your oral health remain the most effective ways to keep your smile healthy. And who knows? One day, probiotics might become a regular part of your oral care routine!