Probiotics, teeth and gums

A combination of various pre and probiotics have been shown to help to control Streptococcus mutans growth, a bacteria strongly correlated with dental cavities. These species are Lactobacillus (L.) herveticus, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum and Sacchromyces cerevisiae and are often found in combination in probiotic supplements specific to dental health.

This combination has also been shown to reduce salivary Candida spp levels and to demonstrate activity against halitosis (bad breath)-related bacteria. Six clinical trials demonstrate decreased plaque score and gingival index in participants, and an increase in salivary pH.

In a randomised placebo-controlled study, 52 adults aged 18 to 25 years received either the probiotic combination, placebo, chlorohexidine or sodium fluoride mouthwashes twice a week for 30 days after dental scaling. A significant lower S. mutans count was observed in the probiotic group at 7-, 14- and 30-days vs placebo. After 30 days, the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva was 87.6% lower in participants who used the dental probiotic compared to placebo. Dental probiotic was as effective as conventional mouthwashes in reducing the growth of S. mutans after scaling, and the lowest S. mutans counts were observed in the dental probiotic group.

In another study reports have demonstrated that this above-mentioned combination of probiotics reduces the production of malodorous volatile sulphur compounds by halitosis-related bacteria and possesses significant inhibitory activity against a wide range of halitosis-related bacteria.

Gum health has also shown significant improvement with the administration of the dental probiotic. A randomised clinical trial compared the effect of the probiotic and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on gingival index after scaling in 45 healthy adults aged 18 to 21. Participants used the product twice daily for 14 days. In the probiotic group, the mean gingival index (a measure of poor gum health) was significantly reduced at day 7 and day 14 compared to baseline after scaling. After 14 days, participants who took the probiotic had 78% less gum inflammation than before they started.

Probiotics are not just essential for gut health, immune response and mental health … now they are marching on into dental health! No stopping our probiotic family!