Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in the human body, have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential health benefits. Research suggests that probiotics may play a role in maintaining oral health by balancing the microbiome of the mouth. This blog will explore the relationship between probiotics and gum disease, discussing the potential benefits of incorporating probiotics into your oral care routine. And if you have questions, we are here!
More than 700 species of microbes live in your mouth and they include bacteria, fungus, and more. Some are helpful, and some harmful. Don’t run for your toothbrush or mouthwash just yet. As long as they’re in balance, the “good” kind can keep the “bad” ones from hurting you.
But if that balance gets out of whack, the harmful ones can take hold and lead to gum disease.
You might have heard how good bacteria in certain foods and supplements (called probiotics) may help with this kind of imbalance in your gut. Well, scientists are finding that they may help fight gum disease in much the same way.
How Does the Imbalance Happen?
Researchers are still trying to sort out what lets the harmful bacteria go to work in your mouth. The triggers can include:
- Not taking care of your teeth and gums. This lets the bad bacteria multiply and shifts the balance.
- A weak immune system. This can affect the way the bacteria in your mouth relate to one another and give the harmful kind an advantage.
- Your body’s genetic blueprint. Some people may not have enough of the helpful bacteria, or they may be more likely to have the bad kind.
- Dry mouth. Your saliva has substances that help fight harmful bacteria. But some medicines, like painkillers and decongestants, can affect how much you have.
How Does That Lead to Gum Disease?
An imbalance of bacteria can affect your body’s defenses and keep your white blood cells from killing harmful bacteria. Those bacteria can inflame your gums. That inflammation, in turn, gives off chemicals that feed bad bacteria, which multiply. More bacteria inflame your gums and start to eat away at the bone that anchors your teeth.
If this goes on long enough, your gums and the bone that supports your teeth can be ruined. You might end up losing teeth.
It also can set you up for tooth decay and bad breath. Researchers think it also may help cause oral cancer.
And if you have too many harmful bacteria in your mouth, they can move to other parts of your body and may be linked to:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Probiotics and Gum Disease
A group of helpful bacteria called lactobacilli can fight several kinds of bad bacteria and may help restore a healthy balance in your mouth.
Prevent gum disease and maintain a healthy smile. Our experienced dentists can provide comprehensive care to address your oral health needs. Schedule your dentist appointment today at 801-756-1009. For more tips on general dentistry, follow us on Instagram.
Reference:[https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/probiotics-gum-disease?mmtrack=16485-26898-20-1-5-0-1]
