Benefits of Oral Probiotics

Taking probiotics for digestive health has become very popular over the last few years. However, there are also certain types of probiotics made specifically for oral health! These probiotics help to prevent gum disease and dental cavities, keep your breath smelling fresh, and kill the bad bacteria in the mouth.

The number one difference between oral probiotics and other kinds of probiotics is that most of them focus on the bacteria in the gut. However, oral probiotics focus on bacteria that are important to the oral microbiome. Additionally, oral probiotics usually come in the form of chewable tablets or lozenges.

Benefits of Oral Probiotics

Below are a few benefits of oral probiotics:

• Freshens Breath – Studies have found that oral probiotics are more effective at keeping breath fresh than antibacterial mouthwash! This is because the mouthwash kills the good bacteria as well as the bad.
• Prevents Oral Thrush – Thrush is a condition where white spots develop on the tongue due to an overgrowth of fungi called Candida. This can be prevented with oral probiotics.
• Reduces Gingivitis – Gum disease is a major concern when it comes to oral health. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus Reuteri can help destroy the microbes that cause gingivitis.
• Reduces Plaque – Plaque buildup is the most common cause of dental cavities. Brushing is the best way to keep plaque at bay, but an oral probiotic containing Streptococcus A12 can help reduce plaque buildup even more.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Oral probiotics have many benefits, but the best way to maintain your oral health is to follow a good at-home oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting Meadows Family Dentistry every six months for a cleaning and a checkup. Our office is located here in Castle Rock, Colorado.