Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about a beautiful smile; science reveals it’s also important for your overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting daily healthy habits can help safeguard you from future dental issues plus more. But what are the best evidence-based ways to strengthen teeth and keep gums healthy? In a two-part series, we spoke with Jakob, PhD Medical Sciences and BioGaia’s research expert in oral health, to get his insights.
What are the best practices for maintaining healthy gums?
“Maintaining oral hygiene through brushing and flossing are the most important measures for keeping dental health and preventing disease,” explains Jakob. These practices help remove plaque, a biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. If left unchecked, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum issues.
“An unbalanced oral microbiota, often caused by poor oral hygiene, can lead to the increase of harmful bacteria, contributing to conditions such as cavities, gingivitis (bleeding gums), and periodontitis (gum disease).”
“It’s not just about oral health; there’s also a connection between your gums and your overall well-being,” Jakob notes, pointing to research linking poor oral health with other issues. “So, the daily habit of brushing and flossing is not only safeguarding oral health but also plays a critical role in supporting overall well-being.”
What role do probiotics play in maintaining oral hygiene?
“Probiotics help maintain oral hygiene by contributing to a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Unlike traditional antimicrobial treatments, probiotics are gentle and avoid disrupting beneficial bacteria.” Jakob mentions that probiotics have shown promise in reducing caries risk, alleviating gum inflammation, and addressing issues like halitosis (bad breath).
“This holistic, probiotic supported approach to oral hygiene is especially appealing because it’s gentle, more natural, and has fewer side effects,” Jakob says.
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can complement brushing and flossing, offering an added layer of protection against oral health problems.
How do probiotics influence the oral microbiome?
Probiotics play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. Jakob explains that these friendly bacteria work by targeting harmful microbes linked to oral health problems like gum disease and cavities, while leaving the beneficial bacteria untouched.
“Whilst probiotics don’t completely change the bacteria in your mouth, they do focus on reducing the bad ones that cause trouble.” This process of reducing dysbiosis (an imbalanced state), helps restore balance to your oral microbiota and promotes a healthier environment for your gums and teeth.
“This targeted action supports the development of a healthier oral microbiota, promoting overall oral health and resilience against disease.”
How do probiotics help strengthen teeth and gums from an immunological perspective?
“These beneficial bacteria work by helping your body’s immune system counteract harmful microbes that can cause cavities and gum issues,” explains Jakob.
“When probiotics are introduced into your mouth, they create a healthier balance of bacteria, reducing the presence of harmful pathogens linked to tooth and gum issues. They also support your immune system by calming inflammation in your gums, which can otherwise lead to dental concerns like gingivitis.”
Jakob adds that by suppressing the harmful bacteria that can trigger inflammation, probiotics promote healthier, stronger gums and teeth.
Are there specific strains of probiotics that are particularly beneficial for oral health?
“Probiotic strains vary significantly in their effects, even within the same species, necessitating detailed investigation at the strain level to identify their specific benefits for oral health,” explains Jakob.
“Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of probiotics on various oral issues. This strain-specific efficacy underscores the importance of targeted probiotic formulations tailored to oral health needs.”
Among the most well-researched strains for oral issues are Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289.
Brushing and flossing daily are your first line of defence and adding probiotics can potentially take your oral care to the next level. Learn more in part two of our oral health series.
Sources
Herrera D et al. Prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases—The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. J Clin Periodontol. 2023;50(S26):4-76. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13823.
Mendonça CD de, Mata ADSP da, Azevedo LFR, Marques JF, Silveira JML, Marques DN da S. Probiotics in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Oral Heal. 2024;24(1):1224. doi:10.1186/s12903-024-05027.
Woelber JP, Bartha V, Baumgartner S, Tennert C, Schlagenhauf U, Ratka-Krüger P, Vach K. Is Diet a Determining Factor in the Induction of Gingival Inflammation by Dental Plaque? A Secondary Analysis of Clinical Studies. Nutrients. 2024;16(7):923. doi: 10.3390/nu16070923.
