5 Benefits of Probiotics for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Probiotics: they’re not just for your gut anymore! These little critters have been gaining popularity in recent years for their gut-boosting properties, but did you know they can also do wonders for your oral health? That’s right, probiotics can be your teeth and gums’ new best friend. Here are five reasons why:

1. They can prevent bad breath

Let’s face it, bad breath is not a good look on anyone. Whether you’re trying to impress a new crush or ace that job interview, you don’t want to be remembered for your halitosis. Luckily, probiotics can help.

The bacteria that live in our mouths are responsible for producing the compounds that cause bad breath. Probiotics work by crowding out the bad bacteria and replacing them with beneficial bacteria that produce less odor. It’s like a tiny little army of good guys marching in and taking over the battlefield in your mouth.

One study even found that taking probiotics reduced the severity of bad breath by 85 percent! So, if you’re struggling with bad breath, try incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi into your diet.

2. They can reduce plaque buildup

Plaque is the enemy of healthy teeth and gums. It’s a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Yikes!

Probiotics can help reduce the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. When you have a good mix of beneficial bacteria in your mouth, they can outcompete the harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

One study found that participants who took probiotics had a 42 percent reduction in plaque buildup compared to those who didn’t take probiotics. That’s a pretty impressive statistic!

3. They can strengthen tooth enamel

Your tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer that protects your teeth from damage. It’s essential for preventing tooth decay and sensitivity. Unfortunately, it’s also vulnerable to erosion from the acids produced by the bad bacteria in your mouth.

Probiotics can help strengthen your tooth enamel by promoting the production of healthy saliva. Saliva helps neutralize the acids in your mouth that can erode your enamel and cause tooth decay.

In one study, participants who took probiotics had a 61 percent reduction in the amount of acid-producing bacteria in their mouths. That’s a significant reduction!

4. They can reduce inflammation

Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. It’s caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your mouth that irritates and inflames your gums.

Probiotics can help reduce inflammation by balancing the bacteria in your mouth. When you have a healthy mix of beneficial bacteria in your mouth, they can prevent the harmful bacteria from triggering an overreaction from your immune system. This can help reduce the inflammation that’s associated with gum disease.

One study found that participants who took probiotics had a significant reduction in the severity of their gum disease compared to those who didn’t take probiotics. So, if you’re struggling with gum disease, probiotics might be worth a try!

5. They can boost your immune system

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. When you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your mouth, they can spread to other parts of your body and cause problems.

Probiotics can help boost your immune system by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. When you have a good mix of beneficial bacteria in your mouth, they can prevent the harmful bacteria from taking over and causing health problems.

In conclusion, probiotics are not just good for your gut health, but they can also help improve your oral health. From preventing bad breath to reducing inflammation, probiotics can give you a reason to smile. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, don't forget to pick up some probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Your mouth will thank you!

For additional help with strengthening the probiotics in your mouth, click here!