When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, we often focus on brushing our teeth, using a water flosser, or dental floss, as well as the importance of regular dental check-ups.

However, there is another important factor that is often not mentioned but actually has a significant impact on oral health – probiotics.
Probiotics are tiny microorganisms known for their connection to gut health, but did you know they also have positive effects on oral health?

In this week’s blog from Dental Center 4Smile, learn all about probiotics and how they can help you maintain a healthy smile every day!

THE IMPACT OF PROBIOTICS ON ORAL HEALTH
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide numerous health benefits.

While they are primarily known for promoting gut health by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system, recent research suggests that probiotics may also play a key role in maintaining a healthy oral cavity.

WHAT IS THE ORAL MICROBIOME?

Just like the gut, the mouth is home to a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our mouths and defending against harmful invaders.

However, imbalances in this microbiome can lead to various oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

HOW DO PROBIOTICS HELP ORAL HEALTH?

Probiotics support oral health in several ways:

  • Restoring balance: By introducing beneficial bacteria into the oral microbiome, probiotics can help restore the natural balance of microorganisms, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
  • Fighting bad breath: One of the most common oral health issues, bad breath, can be caused by imbalances in oral bacteria. Probiotics can help combat bad breath (halitosis) by reducing the growth of bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors.
  • Preventing cavities: Certain strains of probiotics have shown the ability to reduce the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans. By lowering the levels of these harmful bacteria, probiotics can help prevent cavities.
  • Supporting gum health: Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, are often caused by imbalances in oral bacteria. Probiotics have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and support gum health by promoting a healthier oral microbiome.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROBIOTICS:

Not all probiotics are created equal, and choosing the right strains of beneficial bacteria is key to optimal benefits for oral health!

For improving oral health, Dr. Ivan Antolković recommends looking for probiotic supplements or foods containing strains like Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Probiotics with these strains are particularly effective for oral health!

INCORPORATING PROBIOTICS INTO YOUR ROUTINE:

Adding probiotics to your oral care routine is actually very simple.
You can consume probiotics in the following ways:

1. TAKING DAILY SUPPLEMENTS:

When choosing a type of supplement, Dr. Ivan Antolković advises selecting probiotics in forms that will stay in your mouth longer as they dissolve, such as lozenges or chewable tablets.

Prolonged contact of probiotics with your oral microbiome ensures that they interact effectively with your oral health!

2. CONSUMING PROBIOTIC-RICH FOODS:

Foods like yogurt, kefir, milk, ice cream, and certain cheeses are rich in probiotics. It’s important to note that other known probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut or pickles exist, but for dental health, acidic foods are not the best choice.

3. USING ORAL CARE PRODUCTS CONTAINING PROBIOTICS:

Toothpaste and mouth rinses with probiotics can also be a helpful addition.
However, before increasing your probiotic intake, remember to consult with your dentist, especially if you have any underlying health issues!

CONCLUSION:

As our understanding of the oral microbiome advances, we are increasingly recognizing the important role probiotics play in promoting oral health.
 By restoring balance to the oral microbiome, probiotics offer a natural and effective way to keep our smiles bright and healthy, fighting bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.

Since incorporating probiotics is relatively simple, consult with your dentist in Zagreb, Dr. Ivan Antolković, and, with the help of probiotics, unlock the full potential of a healthy smile!