When it comes to your mouth, there are hundreds of bacteria in it. You may be well-aware of the ones that cause some oral health issues like cavities, but did you know there is a good kind? It is known as probiotics, which may lower your chances of gum disease, according to recent studies. Keep reading to learn more about how they can support your gum tissue.
What Are Probiotics?
You may be aware of probiotics through their benefits for your gut health. They are live bacteria and yeasts that interact with the different microorganisms in your body. They fight off the harmful kind, helping boost your immune system among many other benefits across your body. As more research is done about probiotics, a link has been made that may prove it plays a role in preventing gum disease.
How are Probiotics Helpful for My Gum Health?
Despite having both harmful and beneficial bacteria in your mouth, it is in a healthy state when there is a balance between them. However, when the bad starts to overtake the good, it eventually leads to oral health problems, like an infection in your gums. You may experience inflammation, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and noticeable redness. If it’s left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.
An imbalance can occur if you don’t follow a proper dental hygiene routine or have dry mouth. The bad bacteria can grow into plaque and attack the soft tissue. However, probiotics help prevent this! They fight off and stop the growth of the harmful strains that cause gum disease.
There was a study that gave one group of people a probiotic lozenge (which are small, medicated tablets, like a cough drop) and the other half were given a placebo to take for eight weeks. At the end of the trial, those who had taken the probiotic were seen to have improved gum health, with less inflammation and plaque.
How Can I Get More Probiotics?
Thankfully, fitting more probiotics into your daily life is relatively easy. Many fermented foods contain this microorganism, such as:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Cottage cheese
There are many more foods, but if you aren’t a fan of these items, then you can simply take a dietary supplement instead! In short, there are plenty of ways you can get more probiotics. Now that you know how they can support not only your gut, but your gums, consider getting plenty of them to keep your mouth in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Parker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is proud to help the Marshall community have the best smiles they can by offering a wide range of services from routine checkups to gum disease treatment. If your gums tend to bleed every time you brush or floss, schedule an appointment or call us at (903) 935-6351.