Taking a Probiotic May Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, the focus often shifts to daily habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. However, recent studies have shown a potential link between incorporating probiotics into your routine and reducing the risk of gum disease.

If you’re curious how some bacteria in a pill can help your gums, continue reading to delve into the science behind probiotics. You’ll learn about their potential impact on gum health, and how you can easily integrate them into your daily oral care regimen.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease (the proper name for gum disease) stems from the plaque that builds up on your teeth when you eat or drink. The sticky substance clings to the surface of your pearly whites and releases acid over time.

These bacteria are especially harmful as it can seep down into the pockets between your gums and your teeth to wreak havoc on your oral health. Bleeding gums are usually one of the first signs followed by redness, inflammation, and tenderness.

Periodontal disease not only affects your gums, but it can also cause tooth loss and has been linked with other more serious conditions like heart disease.

How do Probiotics Help?

Not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, some are responsible for maintaining certain functions in your body like digestion or killing plaque bacteria.

Probiotics are essentially supplements made up of a combination of live “friendly” bacteria and yeasts that naturally occur in your body. When you take them, they cause more good bacteria to grow, balancing out any harmful bacteria you may have in your body already.

In a recent study, scientists set up a randomized controlled trial to check out what happens when patients with gingivitis start taking a daily probiotic. They split the participants into two groups. One group got probiotic lozenges, packed with a friendly bacterium called Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. The others got a not-so-exciting placebo.

After eight weeks, the researchers measured various signs of gum health, like gum bleeding and plaque buildup. In almost every case, the group that had the lozenges had less gingivitis.

Incorporating probiotics into your oral health routine could be a great way to improve your oral health. However, if you’re already showing symptoms of gum disease, you should visit your dentist for treatment. Even with a probiotic, periodontal disease can be difficult to manage without professional help.

About the Practice

At Creative Dental Concepts of CNY, PLLC, your oral health is a priority. With a team of highly qualified and talented dentists, your treatment will be customized and delivered with the utmost care. They pride themselves on making your smile the best it can be. With the latest dental technologies and a comfortable, welcoming environment, they provide a wide range of treatments to meet your unique needs. To schedule a gum disease screening, call (315) 475-6641 or visit the website to learn more.