
You’ve probably heard of probiotics. In fact, you’ve probably been prescribed probiotics alongside antibiotics or when your stomach has been out of whack.
Probiotics are the microbes that support your gut microbiome by making sure harmful bacteria do not overrun it. We already know that they are good for the digestive tract, with Nucific Bio X4 Reviews (for example) reporting improvements in digestion and less gas and bloating, but you may be surprised to learn that they have other benefits too.
Using the best probiotic toothpaste is an effective way to take care of your oral microbiome – resulting in fresher breath, less plaque, and more.
Here are five things oral probiotics can do for you.
1. Freshen Breath
Bad breath is typically caused by bacteria in your mouth or gut, and studies have explored the possibility that oral probiotics can help with that.
One study followed 23 people, who were told to cleanse their mouths with an antimicrobial mouthwash, then given either a probiotic supplement containing Streptococcus salivarius or a placebo for three days.
The study found that as many as 85% of the participants who were given the probiotic supplement had less of the strains of bacteria that cause bad breath.
2. Possibly Decrease the Risk of Oral Cancer
Although more studies are needed to confirm this benefit in human trials, a 2013 study showed that the probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius and its secretions appeared to reduce the occurrence of oral cancer in rats.
3. Reduce Plaque Buildup
While we have thousands of different strains of bacteria in our mouths, some of them are responsible for plaque formation.
The bacteria Streptococcus mutans converts sugar into lactic acid, which raises the mouth’s acidity level. An acidic mouth allows cavities and plaque to thrive.
A 2016 study discovered that a strain of beneficial bacteria called A12 fought cavity-causing bacteria when they grew both strains in a lab. The A12 bacteria stopped S. mutans from colonizing and creating plaque.
4. Fight Candida Overgrowth
Candida is a fungus that naturally occurs in the mouth. However, when your oral microbiome is unbalanced, it can overgrow and cause oral thrush. Oral thrush is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the mouth and tongue.
An excellent way to treat oral thrush is to limit your sugar and carb intake, but a better way to eliminate it is to introduce Lactobacillus reuteri in the form of an oral probiotic.
5. Manage the Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, causes swollen, inflamed gums and sensitive teeth.
A 2006 study showed that certain oral probiotics can reduce the symptoms of gingivitis. The researchers followed 59 participants, who were given either Lactobacillus reuteri or a placebo over the course of two weeks.
The study found that the participants who were given the probiotic experienced a reduction in gingivitis symptoms – and they also had less plaque.
The Bottom Line
Recently, probiotics have been getting a lot of attention from the scientific community.
Probiotic supplements in the form of mouthwashes or toothpaste can help prevent and treat oral health issues caused by an unbalanced oral microbiome – like gingivitis, tooth decay, and bad breath.
That’s why you should consider adding oral probiotics to your oral hygiene routine.
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