Probiotics for Your Teeth

Oftentimes, bacteria are considered bearers of ill health. The truth is there are over 400 varieties of “helpful” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria are an essential part of the body’s immune defense and balanced bacterial “flora.”

The most plentiful of these bacteria are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, and they help promote optimal health by supporting proper flora balance and helping to maintain normal gastrointestinal functioning. The most commonly recognized “good” bacteria Lactobacilli acidophilus, a member of the Lactobacillis family, is found in yogurt and other dairy products.

The word “probiotics” refers to living bacteria, and was coined when the connection between “good” bacteria and a healthy gastrointestinal tract was documented. Strains of probiotics affect the body in different ways, some can facilitate the growth of good bacteria to support overall good health and vitality.

Probiotics and Your Dental and Overall Health

Extensive research supports the effectiveness of probiotics in promoting gastrointestinal health including overall bowel health, urinary tract health, and the reduction of various types of occasional diarrhea, particularly those triggered by taking antibiotics.

Probiotics such as Lactobacillis acidophilus have been recommended by the Mayo Clinic as a possible means of promoting oral and gum health. Recently, researchers in many parts of the world have focused on the potential benefits of probiotics for dental health. While in the early stages of investigation, studies related to probiotics for your teeth with the use of oral probiotics have shown some promising preliminary results by altering the flora environment of the mouth.

The Research—Probiotics and Dental Health

Findings announced at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, identified several strains of bacteria that could function as oral probiotics and potentially help promote healthy teeth.

Research carried out at Catholic University in Rome, Italy, centered on the probiotic strain Lactobacilli rhamnosus GG that shows potential for promoting proper bacteria flora in the mother, which helps promote the health of the child’s teeth.

In Japan, researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, found that individuals eating yogurt or other lactic acid foods had a higher level of periodontal health. Investigators believe it is due to the probiotic influence of Lactobacilli in the foods, and recommend further follow-up studies on the ingestion of lactic-acid foods over time on periodontal health.

Researchers involved with these groundbreaking studies agree that additional investigation is required before any final conclusions can be reached. But, they are hopeful that further research will substantiate probiotics’ role in maintaining good dental health.