Probiotics for a healthy oral microbiome
Your oral microbiome
We know that a healthy oral microbiome (the collection of micro-organisms in the mouth environment) can help to prevent systemic and oral diseases. A dysbiosis of the oral microbiome (an imbalance or disruption) can contribute to a variety of oral health problems including tooth decay and gum disease, as well as other wider health problems such as diabetes, auto-immune disease, gastro-intestinal issues and cardio-vascular disease, just to name a few. The lack of healthy micro-organisms can result in a poor immune response, thereby resulting in an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Why is it important to maintain a balance in your oral and gut microbiome?
There are many factors influencing the health of the oral and gut microbiome, but the scientific community agrees that dysbiosis in the human body (usually in the gut microbiota), has also been associated with persistent low-grade inflammatory diseases. There are many health benefits to maintaining a healthy immune system. Having a healthy immune system can have a positive effect on your systemic health. It may help prevent health conditions such as heart disease, lung diseases and diabetes.
Gut health benefits
Research shows that gut microbiota can directly influence the oral microbiome, and vice versa. Having a healthy gut microbiome reduces the number of harmful microbes in the digestive tract, and can also promote beneficial oral microbes in the human oral cavity. High levels of dental plaque means there is a large amount of oral bacteria, which may be both good and bad bacteria. Your oral bacteria can also impact on the health of your oral mucosa, gut health and overall health.
To find out more about what the oral microbiome is and how you can ensure you have a healthy oral microbiome, continue reading further.
Antibiotic use
Taking a course of antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria as well as pathogenic bacteria. In particular, the broader spectrum the antibiotic you take, the more microorganisms will be affected.
You may want to counteract this by using additional probiotic supplements. Taking probiotics or dietary supplements play an important role in replacing the beneficial bacteria and keeping your oral microbial communities healthy.
How to get a healthy oral microbiome
So if you do suffer from dental diseases such as dental decay or gum disease (or other systemic diseases), and want to work on creating a healthy oral microbiome, we will discuss some ways you can improve your human microbiome.
Try these options to help increase your beneficial bacteria and decrease your pathogenic (bad) bacteria
Yogurt
Yogurt, specifically containing probiotics (live bacteria) can help to improve the quality of your oral microbiota, as well as your gut microbiota. Examples available in Australia include Vaalia and Activia, which specifically contain probiotic bacteria. The probiotics in yogurt can help to improve the function of your digestive system by improving digestion and efficiency of your gut health. For adults and children, the probiotics in yogurt can help to reduce pathogenic microbial communities in the human gut and support the immune system by inhibiting disease-causing pathogens and supporting the function of immune cells.
Fermented foods
Probiotic-containing fermented foods such as kefir (fermented probiotic milk drink), kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, natto, fermented pickles or preserves and sourdough bread ca help to improve the health of your oral microbiome and gut microbiome. Probiotics play a big role in inhibiting pathogenic species in microbial communities in your gut microbiota. Fermented foods contain live microorganisms, which have an important role in contributing to the health of the digestive tract and the oral microbiome.
Oral Probiotic supplements
Look for a specific oral health probiotic supplement, such as these Prodentis lozenges by BioGaia. There are also oral probiotic supplement drops for babies, and specific lozenges for children too. They can help promote good bacteria in the human gut and oral cavity. The two bacteria strains contained in this probiotic supplement help to defend against dental diseases and promote healthy gums and teeth by balancing the human oral microbiome.
Want to know more?
Do you want some tailored advice specific to you on methods to improve your oral health and human microbiome and keep it at its optimum?
Speak to our Claremont dentists at our boutique dental practice today by calling us on 6143 5655.
For your convenience, you can also book online at your preferred time by clicking here.
Speak to your healthcare provider, who can assist you in promoting gut health and improving your immune system.
Resources used in this blog post:
- Oral dysbiosis and systemic diseases: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/dental-medicine/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2022.995423/full
