Probiotics and their promising benefits to oral health
What are probiotics? First, let’s define that. Probiotics are essentially microorganisms such as bacteria which are beneficial for you, especially for your digestive system. While bacteria are considered an enemy to the human body, there are a lot of harmless microorganisms whose presence can be highly beneficial to various functions in our organisms. It is estimated that there are 39-300 trillion bacteria existing in the human body, and the majority is linked to health benefits such as improved digestion, healthy skin, enhanced immune system, resulting in fewer chances of some diseases and weight loss.
What are the types of probiotics? Most often, probiotics regard bacteria, but there are other types of microorganisms, such as yeasts that can be classified as probiotics. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most common and effective probiotic bacterial strains. They can be found in supplements and foods prepared by bacterial fermentation. Examples of probiotic foods are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh, and kimchi. All bacteria contain various strains which address a different human function, so medical expert guidance is advised to ensure the safe consumption of the right probiotic for each individual.
Probiotics in oral care products
Traditionally, studies regarding the health benefits of probiotics were exclusive to the digestive system. However, the scientific breakthroughs of the last decade have revealed that probiotics can improve oral health as well.
Nordics’ Innovation
True to our promise towards innovative dental care, Nordics recently introduced a new toothpaste with the first processed probiotic dedicated to oral care, called SymReboot™ OC by Symrise. It is a COSMOS-approved ingredient, chosen for its effectiveness to promote a healthy microbiome and consequently enhance oral health. Its revolutionary benefits include:
➢ Maintaining the oral cavity's natural defenses and promotes healthy microflora.
➢ Enhancing gum health and strengthening the oral cavity barrier.
➢ Protecting against toxic microorganisms and soothes the gums.
➢ Having the capacity to be applied to a variety of oral care products, notably toothpaste, mouthwash, gum care, and lozenges.
Our brand new Nordics Kids toothpaste Strawberry Splash Probiotic contains SymReboot™ OC probiotic, Xylitol and is also fluoride-free, making it safe for our little friends. It’s suitable for kids of all ages and recommended for young kids with sensitive teeth or those who simply look for the best care possible for their oral health.
Oral care probiotics include living and healthy microorganisms, identical to the beneficial ones naturally existing in the oral cavity. Their presence there aims to restore a healthy balance of the microbiome and prevent the bacteria buildup, which is known to cause damage to the teeth and gums. Specifically, when the probiotics enter the oral cavity, they attach to the aggregate of the existing bacteria. Then, they stick on the surface of the teeth and penetrate the gingival sulcus, which is the meeting point of the teeth and the gums. Their role encompasses minimizing the risk of pathogens, exacerbated by high-sugar and processed foods, and preventing dental plaque formation, other dental diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and further, severe health issues.
According to studies, the benefits of probiotics in oral health include:
1) Cavity and plaque prevention. Among the various types of bacteria in the oral cavity, there are some which are harmful. For example, Streptococcus mutans is one of them because it turns sugar into lactic acid, creating the ideal environment for plaque and tooth decay formation. A study conducted in 2016 revealed that a specific strain of a “good” bacteria called A12 can hinder the development of S. mutans and effectively prevent plaque buildup.
2) Halitosis or bad breath elimination. Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath due to the “bad” bacteria presence in the mouth and gut. It’s not considered a disease, but it is a discomfort which can reveal underlying dental infections and inflammations. Based on a study, the use of an antimicrobial mouthwash and supplements of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius was 85% effective in reducing significantly the number of bacteria responsible for halitosis.
3) Oral disease treatment. The focus point of the first studies was the determination of the probiotics as an effective treatment in dental diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis. A specific strain from L. acidophilus successfully treated patients with various periodontal issues and this raised the interest for further research and examination of this particular bacteria type. Other probiotic strains have improved gum health by dramatically decreasing gum bleeding and inflammation.
The future of oral care probiotics
The use of probiotics in dental care products has already shown great potential in maintaining excellent oral health. Oral probiotics can restore the balance of the beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which may diminish due to poor nutrition, bad habits like smoking, stress, medication, chronic illnesses, and other factors. Dental practitioners claim that the daily use of probiotic supplements or dental products, combined with routine prophylaxis and periodontal therapy, has the capacity to enhance the microbiome in your mouth.
The increasing trend towards preventive measures is fueled by both governments, in their effort to cut down healthcare costs, and consumers, in their desire to have more control over their health. Therefore, a lot of dental companies turn to new technology and innovative techniques to incorporate probiotic toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products for all ages and address consumers’ pain points such as sensitive teeth, irritated gums, and bad breath.
Sources:
https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/oral-care-probiotics-supplement-overall-health-practices
https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-probiotics
https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-probiotics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897872/
