Your mouth is a diverse microbiome with hundreds of types of bacteria. While this can seem worrying, they are divided into good and bad categories. The latter is the harmful type that leads to oral health issues like gum disease. However, you can boost the good with probiotics to help you avoid conditions like these. Here’s how they are beneficial and what you can do to make sure your smile is in great shape.
Just What Are Probiotics?
As was mentioned above, probiotics are essentially live microorganisms that offer several health benefits. You might’ve heard they are used for your gut or immune system, but they help boost your body’s response to infection. Better yet, they also fight against bad germs, meaning they might have a link to preventing gum disease.
So, Are Probiotics Good for My Gum?
A mouth that’s in great shape has a balance between the harmful and good bacteria. When this happens, the ones that cause trouble won’t be able to build up and take the majority. If this happens, then dental problems are more likely. Thankfully, you can prevent this by brushing and flossing, but probiotics can also level out the playing field.
In fact, a recent study conducted a test to see how effective these microorganisms can be on the soft tissues in smiles. One group was given a probiotic lozenge (which is a medicated tablet), and another had a placebo. After about eight weeks, it was noticed that the former participants had better gum health, less plaque, and lower inflammation.
How Can I Get More Probiotics?
With all that being said, you might be wondering what you can do to get plenty of probiotics to support your grin. Thankfully, it can be as easy as eating fermented food. Many of them are full of them, such as:
- Yogurt
- Pickles
- Kombucha
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Cottage cheese
If you aren’t a fan of these types of foods, then you can also consider a dietary supplement. Find one that works for you and your lifestyle; that way, you don’t need to worry about bad bacteria in your mouth causing problems. It may be starting your morning with a cup of your favorite yogurt, but it can help you support your gut and gums in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell earned her dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She is proud to help the Jonesboro community get the stronger smiles they deserve with a wide range of dental services, like a gum disease treatment. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can enjoy a more comfortable procedure that helps you feel your best in the end. If the soft tissues in your mouth are inflamed or noticeably red, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Yarnell’s office at (870) 932-8488.