Probiotics, also known as healthy bacteria, are quickly leaving their mark within the personal care industry. Although traditionally seen as a way to improve digestive health, probiotics have undergone extensive research in recent years to examine their potential oral healthcare benefits. Probiotics can help re-set your teeth and tackle the damaging bacteria that can cause plaque, gum disease, and bad breath.
The rise of probiotics in dental care is due to their ability to offer a natural solution for tackling some of the most common oral hygiene issues, including bad breath, plaque, and gum disease. If you’re looking to boost your oral hygiene, probiotics could be the solution you’re looking for. We’re taking an overview of the benefits of using probiotics to improve your oral health to help you decide if it’s right for you.
1. Prevents bacteria that causes plaque
Plaque is one of the biggest concerns within dental healthcare. A 2016 study found that probiotic A12 could fight against the bacterium known as streptococcus mutans, which typically lead to cavities. The probiotic works by stopping the cavity-causing bacteria in its tracks, preventing it from creating the acidic environment that it needs to cause cavities and plaque on your teeth.
Probiotics work to improve the immunity of your mouth to fight against the bacteria that causes plaque, preventing it from attaching to your teeth. It can also help to alter the pH levels of your mouth to prevent cavities from forming and developing. Probiotics can also halter your saliva to help remineralize your enamel to protect against cavities.
2. Treat and manage gingivitis
Gingivitis – also known as gum disease – is a condition that leads to sensitive teeth and tender, swollen gums. Research conducted in 2006 shows that probiotics can help reduce the symptoms relating to gum disease. It found that the probiotic known as Lactobacillus reuteri could improve the symptoms of gum disease within just two weeks.
3. Tackles bad breath
One of the main selling points of probiotics in dental health care is that they can prevent bad breath, which is typically caused by bacteria. One case study found that using the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius for just three days could lead to a major reduction in presence of bacteria that causes bad breath.
4. Could help prevent oral cancer
Another potential benefit of using probiotics in dental products is that they can help prevent oral cancer. Although research in this area is limited, a 2013 study found that lactobacillus salivarius could reduce oral cancer in the test subject, rats. Until additional research is conducted, this benefit is solely an added extra that probiotics may be able to offer.
5. Lower inflammation caused by gum disease
Inflammation is one of the side effects of gum disease. Lactobacillus Brevis – a probiotic bacteria – has been found to decrease inflammation for those with gum disease. Using probiotics to tackle gum disease can help reduce plaque, prevent bleeding gums, and remove the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Probiotics are a hero ingredient for next-generation dental healthcare products that provide you with a natural alternative to tackle all the leading oral hygiene concerns. With probiotics, you can tackle gum disease, bad breath, and plaque while preventing oral cancers.
