When it comes to preventing or managing gum disease, you may often hear advice that admonishes you to maintain excellent oral hygiene and consult your dentist for professional treatment. Certainly, those steps are vital. But there is something else that might help. In this blog post, you will learn how taking a probiotic may support your gum health.
What Is a Probiotic?
A probiotic is a type of beneficial microorganism. These microorganisms are often bacteria or yeasts that naturally occur in the human body or in certain foods. They actively interact with other microorganisms and your immune system to create a balanced and thriving microbiome. Probiotics are widely known for their role in supporting gut health, but their benefits can extend into promoting whole-body wellness.
Bacterial Imbalance and Gum Disease: How Probiotics May Help
The human mouth is home to a diverse microbial population, where harmful and beneficial bacteria coexist. In a healthy state, these microorganisms achieve a balance, allowing your gums and teeth to remain problem-free. However, when harmful bacteria begin to dominate, this balance shifts. This imbalance often leads to gum disease, a condition characterized by symptoms such as inflammation, redness, and bleeding. Eventually, it can lead to tooth loss.
Probiotics may play a pivotal role in combating the bacterial imbalance that leads to gum disease. By introducing beneficial bacteria into your oral environment, probiotics can inhibit the growth of harmful strains responsible for gum disease. They achieve this by producing natural antimicrobial substances and competing for resources in the oral cavity. Additionally, probiotics may reduce inflammation and support your immune system’s response to infection. This dual action helps to restore a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth.
Research has found that people who take a probiotic supplement experience less oral inflammation and had less plaque on their teeth, both of which are factors that can contribute to gum disease.
How to Incorporate Probiotics into Your Routine
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to support your gum health. You can do this by consuming foods naturally rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods contain live beneficial microorganisms that can colonize your oral and gut environments. Opt for options labeled as containing “live and active cultures” to maximize the potential benefits.
Another way to intake probiotics is through dietary supplements. These are widely available in capsule, tablet, or powder form. You can talk to your dentist to find out if they have specific product recommendations.
Additionally, you may consider using probiotic-enriched mouthwashes or lozenges. These products are specifically designed to deliver beneficial bacteria directly to the oral cavity. When used as part of a comprehensive oral care routine, they may enhance the balance of microorganisms in your mouth.
Probiotics are amazing! Consider incorporating them into your daily routine so you can maintain a healthy mouth and body.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association in Auburn, ME, our team is pleased to provide a broad range of services for our community, including preventive care and gum disease treatment. If you have questions about how you can care for your smile, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 207-352-2825.