Dental Probiotics: What They Are, How They Work, and Why You Should Try Them

Dental probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria for your oral health. They can help balance the oral microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms that live in your mouth. A healthy oral microbiome can prevent or treat various oral problems, such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and more. In this blog post, we will explore what dental probiotics are, how they work, and why you should try them.

What are Dental Probiotics?

Dental probiotics are different from gut probiotics, which are more commonly known. They are designed to deliver specific strains of bacteria directly to the mouth, where they can colonize and form protective biofilms. Gut probiotics, on the other hand, are usually swallowed and may not reach the mouth in sufficient amounts.

Some of the best strains of bacteria for oral health are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are found in many dental probiotics. These bacteria can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that cause plaque, inflammation, and infection. They can also modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the gums.

They can be derived from natural sources, such as fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, cheese, kefir), or from synthetic sources, such as laboratory-cultured bacteria. Some dental probiotics may also contain prebiotics, which are substances that feed and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria.

How do Dental Probiotics Work?

Dental probiotics work by restoring the balance of the oral microbiome. The oral microbiome is composed of hundreds of species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that coexist in the mouth. Some of these microorganisms are beneficial, while others are harmful. When the oral microbiome is disrupted by factors such as poor diet, stress, antibiotics, or oral hygiene products, the harmful microorganisms can outnumber the beneficial ones and cause oral diseases.

They can help replenish the beneficial microorganisms and create a favorable environment for them to thrive. They can also compete with the harmful microorganisms for nutrients and space, and produce substances that inhibit their growth or kill them. By doing so, dental probiotics can prevent or reduce plaque formation, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay, bad breath, and oral candidiasis.

Dental probiotics can also influence the host’s immune response and inflammatory response in the oral cavity. They can stimulate the production of antibodies and cytokines that fight infections and regulate inflammation. They can also modulate the expression of genes that affect oral health and disease susceptibility.

Why Should You Try Dental Probiotics?

Dental probiotics can offer several benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some of the reasons why you should try them:

• Dental probiotics can improve your oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. By taking them regularly, you can enhance your oral hygiene routine and prevent dental problems from developing or worsening. It can also complement other treatments such as scaling, root planing, or antibiotics by improving their effectiveness and reducing their side effects.
• Dental probiotics can boost your confidence and quality of life. Having a healthy and beautiful smile can make you feel more confident and attractive. It can help you achieve that by improving your oral appearance and eliminating bad breath. It can also improve your quality of life by reducing pain, discomfort, or embarrassment caused by oral diseases.
• Dental probiotics can support your overall health and immunity. Your oral health is closely linked to your general health and immunity. Poor oral health can increase the risk of systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, or rheumatoid arthritis. It can help you maintain a healthy oral microbiome and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria from the mouth to other parts of the body. It can also strengthen your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines that fight infections.
• Dental probiotics can prevent or treat oral cancer. Studies have shown that some dental probiotics may possess strong anti-cancer properties that may eliminate or slow down the growth of abnormal cells in the mouth. It may also reduce the risk of developing certain types of oral cancer by modulating the oral environment and preventing chronic inflammation.

Dental probiotics are usually taken as lozenges, chewable tablets, milk, or drinks that dissolve in the mouth. They should be taken after brushing and flossing, and preferably before bedtime, to allow the bacteria to adhere to the oral surfaces. They are generally safe and have few side effects, but they should be used with caution by people who have compromised immune systems or allergies to certain ingredients.

The dosage and duration of dental probiotics may vary depending on the product and the individual’s needs. Some products may recommend taking one or two lozenges per day for a few weeks or months, while others may suggest taking more or less frequently. It is important to follow the instructions on the label or consult your dentist before using dental probiotics.

How to Use Dental Probiotics?

Some factors that may affect the effectiveness of dental probiotics are the quality and quantity of the bacteria, the delivery method, the storage conditions, and the oral environment. It is advisable to choose products that contain high-quality and high-potency bacteria that are proven to be beneficial for oral health. It is also important to store the products in a cool and dry place, away from heat and moisture, to preserve their viability. Moreover, it is essential to maintain a healthy oral environment by avoiding smoking, alcohol, sugar, and acidic foods and drinks, as they can harm the beneficial bacteria or favor the harmful ones.

What Are The Best Dental Probiotics?

There are many dental probiotics available on the market, but not all of them are equally effective or suitable for everyone. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing dental probiotics are:

• The type and number of bacteria. The best dental probiotics should contain strains of bacteria that are proven to be beneficial for oral health, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They should also contain a sufficient number of bacteria (at least 10⁸ CFU per dose) to ensure that they can colonize the mouth and exert their effects.
• The source and quality of bacteria. The best dental probiotics should be derived from natural or synthetic sources that are safe and reliable. They should also be tested for purity and potency, and free from contaminants or allergens.
• The delivery method and format. The best dental probiotics should be delivered in a way that ensures that they reach the mouth and stay there for a long time. They should also be easy to use and consume, and have a pleasant taste and texture.
• The cost and availability. The best dental probiotics should be affordable and accessible for everyone who needs them. They should also have a long shelf life and be easy to store.

Some examples of dental probiotics that meet these criteria are:

• ProBioraPlus: This is a mint-flavored lozenge that contains three strains of bacteria (Streptococcus oralis KJ3, Streptococcus uberis KJ2, and Streptococcus rattus JH145) that are naturally found in healthy mouths. These bacteria can help prevent plaque, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by producing hydrogen peroxide that kills harmful bacteria. They can also whiten teeth by breaking down stains. ProBioraPlus is recommended to be taken once a day after brushing and flossing.
• Oral-B Probiotic Gum: This is a sugar-free chewing gum that contains two strains of bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289) that can reduce plaque, gingivitis, bleeding gums, and bad breath by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. They can also promote wound healing and tissue regeneration in the mouth. Oral-B Probiotic Gum is recommended to be chewed twice a day for 10 minutes after meals.
• GUM PerioBalance: This is a lemon-flavored tablet that contains one strain of bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis) that can reduce plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss, and bad breath by interfering with the attachment of harmful bacteria to the teeth and gums. It can also modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the mouth. GUM PerioBalance is recommended to be taken twice a day after brushing and flossing.

Also read Why Are My Teeth Sensitive All of a Sudden?, click here.

Conclusion

Dental probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria for your oral health. They can help balance the oral microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms that live in your mouth. A healthy oral microbiome can prevent or treat various oral problems, such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and more.

It work by restoring the balance of the oral microbiome and competing with or killing the harmful bacteria that cause oral diseases. Dental probiotics can offer several benefits for your oral health and overall well-being, such as improving your oral hygiene and appearance, boosting your confidence and quality of life, supporting your overall health and immunity, and preventing or treating oral cancer.

Dental probiotics are usually taken as lozenges, chewable tablets, milk, or drinks that dissolve in the mouth. They should be used with the guidance of your dentist and in conjunction with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. If you want to learn more about dental probiotics and how they can improve your oral health, you can visit our website or contact us for more information.

I hope this blog post has answered your question related to Dental Probiotics. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to leave them below.

Thank you for reading and have a great day! 😊