6 Ways Oral Probiotics Are Good for Your Teeth, Heart, and Mental Health

 

 

Probiotics are everywhere, they are living on your skin, in your gut, and mouth. These beneficial bacteria help protect your skin and teeth and are responsible for your immune system. However, there are different probiotics which means probiotic supplements also differ. 

Oral probiotics are essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy oral microbiome, which can prevent tooth decay, maintain fresh breath, and reduce the risk of gum disease. In fact, various diseases have been linked to the overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Regular probiotics include bacterial strains that are native to those that live in your gut. They’re designed to eliminate the powerful gastric juices and acidic pH of your digestive system. Oral probiotics include beneficial strains native to the oral microbiome.

When the oral microbiome is healthy, any harmful bacteria will be destroyed by the good mouth bacteria. Conversely, if the oral microbiome is imbalanced, good bacteria will not be able to combat bad bacteria. Those bad guys will pass through the mouth and into the rest of the body where they can provoke different health issues.

Fortunately, various studies have shown that oral probiotics can be beneficial. This means we can balance the microbiome with oral probiotics and avoid health issues. Let’s look at seven amazing benefits of oral probiotic supplements that might surprise you. 

1. They can fight candida overgrowth

In addition to bacteria, your mouth naturally contains fungi. One of the most common types of oral fungi is Candida. However, the imbalanced oral microbiome can lead to Candida overgrowth also called oral thrush. The best way to fight this oral thrush is to avoid foods high in sugars and fast carbs, since they feed the candida, and to also take oral probiotics. 

2. They can help treat gingivitis

The probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri can reduce gingivitis and gum bleeding. Luckily, high-quality oral probiotics typically contain this important bacteria strain that will help you combat gum disease and even reverse it. Your family dentist can help you choose a high-quality probiotic supplement.

3. They prevent plaque

In fact, plaque buildup that occurs on your teeth is actually the accumulation of bacteria. They also feed on fast carbohydrates and sugars and excrete cavity-causing acids onto your teeth. One of the most harmful oral bacteria is Streptococcus mutans. But oral probiotics often contain a strain called Streptococcus A12 that can actually prevent plaque buildup. 

4. They lower the risk of heart disease

Did you know that certain oral pathogens have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease? This means that your oral health is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Those harmful oral bacteria have even been found inside the heart of people with heart disease.

But when you take oral probiotics you have a good chance to eliminate those harmful pathogens and lower your risk of heart disease.

5. They lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease 

Many studies have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum disease. This is due to the fact that inflammation is extremely high in both conditions. Treating gum disease and boosting good oral bacteria levels by taking oral probiotics significantly decreases inflammation throughout the body. 

6. They may prevent cancer

Certain harmful oral bacteria can increase the risk of some types of cancer, especially oral cancer. According to research, the oral microbiome and different biomarkers in the saliva can predict certain cancer which can help reduce the effects of certain diseases, including cancers. Taking oral probiotics is a good way to eliminate cancer-causing microbes.

 

 

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