Probiotics are live bacteria that provide a health benefit to a host, when administered in adequate amounts. They are referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they can help to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote health. Oral Probiotics exhibit effectiveness in treating a variety of medical conditions, including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and eczema. They may also help to prevent allergies, infections, and other health problems.
Yogurt, kefir and sauerkrau contain probiotics. They are also available as dietary supplements in capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid forms and work by colonizing the gut and competing with harmful bacteria for resources. They can also produce substances that kill harmful bacteria and strengthen the gut resistance.
Role in Oral Health
Probiotics also play a growing role in dentistry due to their ability to promote oral health by balancing the oral microbiome. They consist of beneficial bacteria that help counteract pathogenic bacteria responsible for dental diseases.
Preventing Tooth Decay
- Probiotics can reduce Streptococcus Mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay.
- Its some strains, like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium, fight with harmful bacteria and lower acid production in the oral cavity.
- They also promote remineralization of enamel by influencing composition of an individual’s saliva.
Fighting Gum Diseases
- Their strains Lactobacillus Reuteri and Lactobacillus Brevis help reduce gum inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria causing gum disease e.g. Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans.
- They improve gum health by reducing plaque accumulation and controlling immune responses.
Controlling Bad Breath
- They suppress bacteria Solobacterium moorei and Fusobacterium nucleatum which develop bad odor in one’s mouth.
- Their strains such as Streptococcus salivarius K12 are effective in neutralizing volatile sulfur compounds responsible for halitosis.
Inhibiting Fungal Infections
- Probiotics can inhibit the overgrowth of Candida albicans, which causes oral thrush, especially in denture wearers and individuals with low immunity.
- Some of their strains produce antifungal substances that limit Candida colonization.
Reducing Xerostomia
- They improve saliva flow and its pH, reducing Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) issues. Better saliva flow helps denture wearers by enhancing their denture retention within oral cavity.
Improving Oral Health
- Probiotics influence the host’s immune response by enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress, which benefits oral and systemic health.
- Knowing of their potentials, probiotic-infused toothpastes, mouthwashes, lozenges, and chewing gums are being explored as probable alternatives to traditional chemical-based oral hygiene products.
