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 healthy daily habits can help safeguard you from future dental issues.
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.”
“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 certain areas, such as addressing issues like halitosis (bad breath).*
“This holistic, probiotic-supported approach to oral hygiene is especially appealing because it’s gentle and more natural*,” 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 are vital in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth.* Jakob explains that these friendly bacteria push out harmful microbes linked to oral health problems, 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 helps restore balance to your oral microbiota and promotes a healthier environment for your gums and teeth.*
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 gum issues,” explains Jakob.
“When probiotics are introduced into your mouth, they create a healthier balance of bacteria, reducing the presence of imbalance of microbes linked to tooth and gum issues.* They also support your immune system by calming your gums, which can otherwise lead to dental concerns.*”
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 defense and adding probiotics can take your oral care to the next level.*
Learn more in part two of our oral health series: The science behind strong teeth and healthy gums
