Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about a beautiful smile; science reveals it’s also important for potentially maintaining your overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting daily healthy habits can help keep your smile healthy.
But what are the best evidence-based ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums? 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 and maintaining normal dental health,” explains Jakob.
“It’s not just about oral health; there’s also a potential connection between your gums and your overall well-being,” Jakob notes. “So, the daily habit of brushing and flossing is not only safeguarding oral health but also plays a role in maintaining overall well-being.”
What role do probiotics play in maintaining oral hygiene?
“Probiotics help maintain oral hygiene by contributing to keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.”
“This holistic, probiotic-supported approach to oral hygiene is especially appealing because it’s gentle, easy, and has fewer side effects,” Jakob says.
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can complement brushing and flossing, offering an easy way for maintaining oral health.
How do probiotics influence the oral microbiome?
“Probiotics play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. It supports a healthy environment for your gums and teeth.”
Are there specific strains of probiotics that are particularly beneficial for oral health?
“Probiotic strains vary significantly, even within the same species, necessitating detailed investigation at the strain level to identify their specific support for oral health,” explains Jakob.
Among the most well-researched probiotic strains for oral health are Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289*.
Brushing and flossing daily are your first line of defence and adding probiotics can be an easy complement to your oral hygiene routine.
Learn more in part two of our oral health series
*According to the number of articles, PubMed Apr 2024.
