How Does The Imbalance Happen
Researchers are still trying to sort out what lets the harmful bacteria go to work in your mouth. The triggers can include:
- Not taking care of your teeth and gums. This lets the bad bacteria multiply and shifts the balance.
- A weak immune system. This can affect the way the bacteria in your mouth relate to one another and give the harmful kind an advantage.
- Your bodyâs genetic blueprint. Some people may not have enough of the helpful bacteria, or they may be more likely to have the bad kind.
- Dry mouth. Your saliva has substances that help fight harmful bacteria. But some medicines, like painkillers and , can affect how much you have.
Dont Neglect Your Tongue
The tongue is a big part of our oral hygiene but is often forgotten about when it comes to cleaning. By using a tongue scraper you can remove built-up bacteria that reside on your tongue which will in turn help improve bad breath the bacteria that are responsible for bad breath generally reside on the tongue.
Oral Probiotics For Candidiasis/oral Thrush
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal condition in which candida fungus overgrows and forms white spots on your tongue. Burning, redness, and dry mouth can result.
This fungal overgrowth is a common symptom of dysbiosis in the oral microbiome.
The best way to combat this condition is to stop consuming the sugars and carbs that feed the candida yeast. Along with a dietary change, high-quality oral probiotics may help prevent or reverse oral thrush.
Changing your diet will stop candida growth, as it will no longer have an adequate food source. The influx of beneficial bacteria from the oral probiotic will crowd out any remaining candida microbes.
The best oral probiotics for oral thrush/candidiasis are:
- Lactobacillus spp.
- S. salivarius K12
Lab research shows that dental probiotics including Lactobacillus species can stop candida from forming a biofilm in the mouth.
A 2020 clinical trial found that 30 days of the oral probiotic S. salivarius K12 decreased oral thrush symptoms. It also improved inflammation of oral tissue caused by denture stomatitis, a bacterial overgrowth on dentures.
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Recommending Sources Of Probiotics To Patients
Probiotics can be gotten from dietary supplements or food sources. Usually, the supplements are in the form of tablets, gummies, powders, or capsules. Generally, when recommending a probiotic supplement to patients, suggest one that comprises more than one strain of friendly bacteria.
A general recommendation is to pick probiotic supplements with at least one billion colony forming units and consisting of the genus Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus some of the most studied probiotics. However, you have to delve deeper, since each genus of bacteria encompasses various strains that produce different results.
Contrary to supplements, probiotic foods offer a more natural source of probiotics. Examples of food items that you can recommend and are believed to be rich in probiotics include enhanced milk, aged cheese, sauerkraut, tempeh, yogurt, and sourdough bread. Probiotics are also available in foods such as legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Are Dental Probiotics The Same As Gut Probiotics
No. Dental probiotics and gut probiotics are not the same. There are different organisms included in each, with some overlap, and the optimal method of delivery for each is also different.
To put it simply, gut probiotics contain strains of bacteria that naturally grow in the gut. And oral probiotics contain bacterial strains that naturally grow in the mouth.
In the video below you can see the maker of Great Oral Health oral probiotics explain the difference between dental and gut probiotics.
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Incorporate Dental Probiotics Into Your Oral Hygiene Routine
If you really want to take your oral health to the next level, then a dental probiotic specifically designed for the health of your oral cavity is the ultimate addition to your daily routine.
Some people just have an imbalance of bacteria in their mouth. And sometimes no matter what those people do, they may just feel like they continually have issues with their oral health.Adding in a BLIS Probiotic may help support the health of the oral cavity in a positive way. ToothGuard with BLIS M18 is a scientifically developed oral probiotic that helps support the health of teeth and gums by crowding out the bad bacteria. FreshBreath Kit with BLIS K12 promotes and helps maintain fresh breath by tackling the source of the problem = bacterial imbalance, not temporarily masking bad breath. Probiotics are generally not quick fixes. Our oral microbiome is influenced by many things and using supplements like BLIS PROBIOTICS are one way of putting good bacteria into the oral cavity to help balance up all the factors that play a role in oral health.Always read the label and take as directed. See a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Blis Technologies Ltd. Dunedin. TAPS PP7488
The Impact Of Probiotics
So what can probiotics do for you? Several studies have investigated the impact of probiotics on oral health and theyve found that they can make a significant difference in several areas of your oral health. First, they can reduce your risk of cavities, although we dont know how much. Studies show that probiotics can reduce the amount of cavity-forming bacteria in your mouth, but theyve not been long enough to show the difference in cavity formation.
With gum disease, weve seen more conclusive results. Not only do probiotics help prevent gum disease, they can be used to support gum disease treatment, improving healing after scaling and root planing.
And probiotics can help protect dental implants from infection, as well. This makes sense since peri-implantitis is basically the same as gum disease, but around dental implants rather than your teeth.
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Product Life Of The Probiotic
You should always select a product that has a decent shelf life. If the product life is short, you will end up incurring losses, as it will mean that you have to toss out expired products. Knowing the life length of the product is also vital in planning for your orders.
It is not uncommon for people to order probiotics, only for them to arrive way past their expiration date. This can be quite a bother. Ensure that the shelf life is long in order to avert these kinds of losses.
A product with a long shelf life will save you money, as it will mean that you will not have to incur costs frequently replacing them. It also allows you to buy in bulk, which is cheaper.
The Relationship Between Gut And Oral Microbiomes
Oral bacteria can travel to the stomach biome through you guessed it saliva. Saliva is a critical transport method of oral bacteria. These bacterial hitchhikers enter your saliva and thus spread to your gut.
Thankfully, the gut has stomach acid which works as a barrier, but some bad bacteria are acid-resistant like Porphyromonas gingivalis. This oral bacteria is responsible for gum disease, and can also cause dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
When this happens, there are all sorts of potential negative health effects, including:
- Obesity
- and, unfortunately, more
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The Advantage Of Using Oral Probiotics
Over-the-counter dental products used for fighting bad breath focus on masking the odor or attempting to kill bacterial culprits in the oral cavity. Some of these products specifically target VSCs. The problem with this is that bacteria repopulate quickly, so the relief from bad breath is usually short-lived.4 Another aspect to consider is that when a bacterial population is reduced, something always replaces it, whether good or bad. This is where dental probiotics step in to combat bad breath in an entirely different way.
Dental probiotics focus on promoting the growth of good bacteria in the oral cavity and curtailing the growth of pathogenic bacteria. There are normally more than 700 different bacterial species found in the human mouth.5 With dental probiotics, daily exposure helps to colonize the oral cavity with bacteria that do not produce VSCs. Research has shown that 85% of people who took oral probiotics for one week experienced a significant reduction in volatile sulfur compounds.4 Even more impressive is the fact that the majority of study participants maintained a reduced level of VSCs for two weeks following exposure to oral probiotics. With this treatment modality, there is finally potential for a more long-term solution to bad breath.
How Can You Find Immediate Relief
To get relief from bad breath right this minute, stick with your toothbrush, mouthwash, or sugar-free gum. However, dental probiotic supplements might help you fight off rotten breath over time. These supplements are available in lozenges, chewable tablets or probiotic drinks, and even some kinds of toothpaste contain oral probiotics.
If bad breath continues to be an issue, make sure to see your dental professional to rule out any underlying causes, such as periodontal disease, sinus issues, or gastrointestinal disease. Otherwise, with the combination of dental probiotics and a good oral hygiene routine, halitosis should never hold you back.
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Oral Probiotic Side Effects
In the first few days of taking probiotics for dental health, you might experience an upset stomach, bloating, or diarrhea. But, probiotics are bacteria that already live in your system, and taking them to support the health of these bacteria is generally safe.
However, you shouldn’t take more than directed, and you should talk to your doctor before beginning any regimen. You should avoid taking these if you have a high risk of infection, and children, seniors, and pregnant women should always talk to their doctor first.
Use A Softer Bristled Brush
When picking a toothbrush, opt for one with a softer bristle. Why? Because a toothbrush with harder bristles is generally too abrasive and can be damaging, especially to your gums resulting in them bleeding after you have brushed. Just because they are gentle does not mean they are not effective they are still able to remove bacteria and plaque. Even better use an electric toothbrush, it can make it easier to clean those hard-to-reach areas and have been designed to be effective but not abrasive. Replace your toothbrush / brush-head every 3 months to prevent excessive bacteria build-up.
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What Has Science Shown About The Effectiveness Of Probiotics For Health Conditions
A great deal of research has been done on probiotics, but much remains to be learned about whether theyâre helpful and safe for various health conditions.
Probiotics have shown promise for a variety of health purposes, including prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea , prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and in premature infants, treatment of infant colic, treatment of periodontal disease, and induction or maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.
However, in most instances, we still donât know which probiotics are helpful and which are not. We also donât know how much of the probiotic people would have to take or who would be most likely to benefit. Even for the conditions that have been studied the most, researchers are still working toward finding the answers to these questions.
The following sections summarize the research on probiotics for some of the conditions for which theyâve been studied.
How Might Probiotics Work
Probiotics may have a variety of effects in the body, and different probiotics may act in different ways.
Probiotics might:
- Help your body maintain a healthy community of microorganisms or help your bodyâs community of microorganisms return to a healthy condition after being disturbed
- Produce substances that have desirable effects
- Influence your bodyâs immune response.
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Heal Teeth And Gums With Oral Probiotics
Research shows that oral probiotics can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on the health of your entire mouth, but as you work to repopulate your oral microbiome with more of the good bacteria to protect your teeth and gums, you also need to make sure you are minimizing practices that will put your new friends in harms way.
Here are my 5 tips for keeping your beneficial mouth microbes happily in the majority.
1. Stay Away from Antibacterial Products
Many modern brands of toothpaste and mouthwash contain antimicrobial agents that work to get rid of harmful oral bacteria.
The problem is that they also deplete good bacteria and disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome, making it easier for the bad guys to settle in.
Triclosan, a common toothpaste ingredient, is one ubiquitous antibacterial compound that is particularly harmful to your microbiome and entire body, causing thyroid, hormonal, and other health issues.
And the scary part? The chemical sticks around in your bodily fluids long after exposure .
Look for natural toothpaste and mouthwash with simple, chemical-free ingredients and be aware that even natural remedy antibacterial products can wipe out good bacteria.
2. Avoid Antibiotics and Bacteria-Killing Medications
3. Brush and Floss Regularly.
Brushing and flossing your teeth will help to disrupt any of the bad bacteria that try to inhabit your mouth. Regular dental cleanings can also get rid of plaque and tartar that harbor harmful bacteria.
4. Try Oil Pulling.
Avoid Smoking Vaping And Limit Sugary Drinks And Foods
It is widely accepted that smoking is not good for overall health, it is especially unhealthy for the oral cavity. Smokers are three to six times more likely than non-smokers to develop gum disease and tooth decay. Vaping may also have negative impacts on the teeth and gums with resulting teeth discoloration and gingivitis a form of gum disease. Excessive amounts of sugar give bad bacteria an endless food source. And when the bad bacteria take over, the result is tooth decay and enamel damage.
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Oral Probiotics For Halitosis/bad Breath
3 studies on dental probiotics for halitosis found that good probiotics can reduce VSCs that cause bad breath. An additional study saw no VSC improvement although breath odor improved.
Oral probiotics are a much better remedy for bad breath than mouthwash. Most mouthwash kills not only bad bacteria but good along with it.
Dental probiotics may stop bad breath by reducing the compounds that cause halitosis.
The best dental probiotics for bad breath include:
- S. salivarius K12
- L. casei
How Much Does Pro
Several purchasing options are available for Pro-B Fresh. Each bottle represents one month’s worth of probiotic supplement. The prices listed on the Pro-B Fresh website are as follows:
- 1 Bottle of Pro-B Fresh 50% off: $19.99
- 2 Bottles of Pro-B Fresh 56% off: $34.95
- 3 Bottles of Pro-B Fresh 58% off: $49.95
- 4 Bottles of Pro-B Fresh 60% off: $64.95
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Number Of Units Or Quantities
You should always ensure that the number of capsules that you will be getting with the purchase of the commodity in reasonable. In this case, you should go for the probiotic that contains the highest number of capsules.
If the number of capsules is high, then you can be assured that you will be getting several days-worth of supply. This will also mean that you will not have to frequent the store to replace the commodity frequently. For the sake of your own convenience, purchase the product that will offer you the highest quantities.
The Best Advice On How To Use Oral Probiotics To Improve Your Teeth And Gums
Note: This is a guest post from Jamie Morea
Gum disease, cavities, and bad breath oh my!
The health of your teeth and gums is about so much more than just a pretty smile.
Did you know that the health of your mouth, for better or for worse, reflects the health of your entire body? This is because your mouth is teeming with more than 700 species of bacteria both good and bad some of which can lead to serious health issues like stroke, diabetes, endocarditis , and even pregnancy issues, like preterm birth .
In fact, studies show that people age 65 and younger with periodontal disease have a 44 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease .
Whats the connection?
Well, it all begins with your microbiome, the diverse ecosystem of trillions of bacteria that live in and on your body. Yes, I said trillions!
You may be shocked to know that the bacteria in your body outnumber your human cells by nearly 10 to 1, which makes you about 90 percent microbial and only 10 percent human.
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Learning About The Microbiome
The community of microorganisms that lives on us and in us is called the âmicrobiome,â and itâs a hot topic for research. The Human Microbiome Project, supported by the National Institutes of Health from 2007 to 2016, played a key role in this research by mapping the normal bacteria that live in and on the healthy human body. With this understanding of a normal microbiome as the basis, researchers around the world, including many supported by NIH, are now exploring the links between changes in the microbiome and various diseases. Theyâre also developing new therapeutic approaches designed to modify the microbiome to treat disease and support health.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is among the many agencies funding research on the microbiome. Researchers supported by NCCIH are studying the interactions between components of food and microorganisms in the digestive tract. The focus is on the ways in which diet-microbiome interactions may lead to the production of substances with beneficial health effects.
Oral Probiotics For Bad Breath
There’s good news for those struggling with halitosis because probiotics have been shown to be a successful way to fight bad breath.
Approximately 90% of cases of halitosis are caused by periodontitis. Probiotics that help maintain gum health can also help fight halitosis that is caused by pathogens. They can also help promote healthy tongue ecology, especially in the harder-to-reach areas of the tongue, where the papillae tend to host more bacteria that cause bad odors.
One strain shown to help with bad breath is Streptococcus salivarius K12, as shown in this study where subjects took a 3-day regimen of chlorhexidine mouthwash and oral probiotic lozenges containing either the bacteria strain or a placebo. 85% of the treated group saw substantial reductions in halitosis, and only 30% of the placebo group did.
You can read more about bad breath and how to prevent it in our full guide here.
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