What are oral probiotics and how do they help oral health and prevent gum disease?

What are oral probiotics? 

Probiotics are tiny organisms (mainly “good” bacteria) that are indicated to provide many benefits to humans. Probiotics can be taken to support gut health but there are also specific strains of probiotics that are thought to improve oral health as well. Oral probiotics have been indicated to have many benefits for oral health from better gum health, to reduction in bad breath, and even supported in cavity prevention! The use of oral probiotics may offer health benefits because of how they boost the immune system of the mouth. 

Your mouth has a diverse amount and variety of types of microorganisms. 

However, they’re not all the same as gut probiotics — oral probiotics are highly effective when delivered directly to the mouth via chewable tablets, milk, lozenges, or probiotic drinks. There are even some kinds of toothpaste that contain oral probiotics as well. 

Oral tablets that are swallowed are not as effective for oral health. Specifically designed oral probiotic supplements utilize a delivery system like those listed above to dispatch these bacterial strains directly to your mouth to form colonies. 

Are oral probiotics really effective? 

Yes, oral probiotics Have been shown to improve oral health, especially for people who have dysbiosis (an unbalance of bacterial communities that lead to negative outcomes) in their oral microbiome. 

What oral probiotics are effective?

One of the most effective types of probiotics that have been researched for oral health outcomes is Lactobacillus reuteri. This strain has been shown to inhibit the colonization of the more harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This strain has been research and it has been found to produce antimicrobial substances that protect against cavity-causing pathogens from taking a strong foothold in your mouth… how cool is that!

Keep in mind that you want to have a delivery method (like the ones listed above) for oral health support to gain benefits for your mouth and smile. 

Here at Clove Dental we care about your smile and want to give you the best options available to you. We listen to your wants and needs and make sure to take the time to have a conversation to answer any questions you may have. We pride ourselves on having state-of-the-art equipment in our offices in Riverpark, Oxnard, A Street in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Beverly Hills and offering you the best standard of care with our dream team practices in Ventura County and Los Angeles County. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your dental needs and let us take care of your smile by booking online at clovedds.com or calling us at your preferred office location. 

Our Locations and numbers are: 

Oxnard Riverpark: 1000 Town Center Dr, Suite 250, Oxnard, CA 93036 805-983-7674   

Central Oxnard: 140 North A Street, Oxnard CA 93030 805-483-9537     

Thousand Oaks: 509 Marin Street, Suite 220, Thousand Oaks CA 91360 805-374-8484

Camarillo: 2107 Pickwick Drive, Camarillo CA 93010 805-819-2043

Beverly Hills: 9001 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 303, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-273-0726

Ventura: 3555 Loma Vista Rd Suite 217, Ventura, CA 93003 805-643-4184