The millions of bacteria that call our lips home include both beneficial and harmful species. While the beneficial bacteria aid in digestion and keep harmful bacteria in check, the bad bacteria are responsible for cavities and periodontal disease. Probiotics, or “good bacteria,” may improve your gum health. Discuss your treatment options with an expert dentist in Tampa, Florida.
For most people, the most well-known benefit of probiotics is their ability to restore a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive tract and so alleviate gastrointestinal problems. Mainly made up of bacteria but occasionally includes yeast as well. Beneficial microorganisms are encouraged, while probiotics suppress pathogenic ones. Aside from the gut, where probiotics restore a healthy bacterial balance, they also benefit the skin, urinary system, lungs, and mouth.
Some probiotics may even have dental benefits, according to recent studies. Some strains of probiotics are more helpful than others when it comes to treating or at least easing the symptoms of specific diseases. Evidence suggests that Lactobacilli may have beneficial effects on oral health, particularly on teeth, gums, and the mouth. Lactobacilli come in a variety of strains, some of which are:
- acidophilus lactis
- Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus brevis
- Bacteria of the Lactobacillus fermentum
- Incorporating Lactobacillus gasseri
Recently, four distinct probiotic strains of Lactobacilli that show promise in combating gum disease have been analyzed. Among the Lactobacillus species you’ll find here are L. gasseri, L. fermentum, L. reuteri, and L. brevis. Researchers found a correlation between dangerous bacteria levels and gum condition when measuring L. gasseri and L. fermentum. A higher level of the beneficial bacteria L. gasseri and L. fermentum was linked to both healthy gums and reduced levels of gum disease-causing bacteria.
The results suggest that certain probiotics may be effective in treating gum disease. However, experts note that further work is needed to pinpoint probiotics that effectively combat gum disease, investigate how these bacteria do their job and monitor the probiotic therapy’s long-term benefits.
Of course, this in no way changes the proven reality that regular, thorough tooth brushing and flossing remain the gold standard for combating gum disease. Eliminating oral bacteria and protecting gum health is as simple as keeping up with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. Though probiotics have been shown to boost gum health, they should never take the place of regular brushing and flossing. Regular usage of probiotics, in addition to a focus on dental cleanliness, may help you better control your gum disease.