Many people know how probiotics can help with digestion, but did you know probiotics can also fight gum disease? Recent research suggests that probiotics not only promote better oral health but can also reverse the effects of gum disease. This breakthrough is a potential game-changer for anyone looking to boost their oral health and hygiene.
At Babylon Dental Care, we believe education is essential to maintaining good oral health and a brilliant smile. Today’s blog examines the existing information on probiotics and gum disease.
What Are Probiotics?
Most of us know what bacteria are, but you might not know that some bacteria help us instead of making us sick. Probiotics are the kind of bacteria and yeasts that are friendly to your body and help you stay healthy. You might have heard about them being in foods like yogurt. They’re famous for taking care of your gut, helping with digestion, and keeping your stomach happy.
But how do they work?
Imagine probiotics as a super team inside your body. They do a bunch of essential jobs. First, they help balance the good and bad bacteria. This is important because when harmful bacteria take over, you can get sick. Probiotics jump into action to keep everything in check.
Probiotics also work hard to keep your immune system strong, maintaining your body’s defense system against germs.
How Probiotics Fight Gum Disease
According to a study from the International Dental Journal, certain types of bacteria may help restore the balance of good and bacteria in the mouth, thereby fighting gum disease. Specifically, researchers say probiotics may help fight gum disease in four main ways:
- Balancing Oral Bacteria: Our mouths are home to various bacteria, some good and some not so good. Gum disease is usually the result of too much harmful bacteria. Probiotics help by balancing the oral microbiome. They introduce good bacteria, which compete with the bad ones for space and resources, helping to keep the harmful bacteria in check. This balance is crucial for maintaining healthy gums.
- Reducing Inflammation: Gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Probiotics can help reduce this inflammation. They interact with the immune system in a way that can lower the body’s inflammatory response. By doing so, probiotics can help soothe swollen, sore gums.
- Strengthening Gums and Teeth: Some probiotics can enhance the health of gums and teeth. They can aid in the absorption of key nutrients necessary for oral health, like calcium (which strengthens teeth), and support the overall structure and health of the gums.
- Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Plaque and tartar contribute to gum disease. Certain strains of probiotics can help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. They do this by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. Less plaque and tartar mean a lower risk of gum disease.
Have Questions About Probiotics and Oral Health? Contact Babylon Dental Care Today
At Babylon Dental Care, we’re excited by the possibilities of how probiotics can help promote better oral health. We can tell you what brands to try and how to supplement this treatment with other strategies. Call (631) 983-6665 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.
