We talk a lot about teeth. After all, we’re dentists. But, we are also concerned with your gum health. At Legends Dental, your gum health is just as important to us as the rest of your mouth (and body). In this blog, we are talking about gum health and how probiotics may be able to help keep your gums in good shape and may even help restore damaged tissue.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Are you experiencing gum tenderness, red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath? If so, you may be living with untreated gum disease.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that often help to improve health when consumed. Probiotics can be taken orally but can also be found in some food, such as yogurt, cheese, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha tea and miso.
Benefits of consuming probiotics are usually related to improving gut health, but a new study presented by DuPont at the Healthy Aging APAC Summit in Singapore earlier this year says that probiotics have benefits in a different part of the body: the mouth.
The Study
The study suggests that probiotics can help protect the gums by changing the makeup of the bacterial biofilm that covers the teeth and the gums. The researchers contend that changing the composition of the biofilm helps to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.
During their presentation, the DuPont study authors showed evidence that taking probiotics for 30, 60 and 90 days resulted in improvements such as less inflammation, less bleeding of the gums, and a reduction in the formation of periodontal pockets.
The researchers also saw a decline in the amount of gum disease-causing bacteria in the mouth.
So, it does seem that if you increase probiotic consumption, you can improve your gum health.
The probiotic used in the DuPont study was Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, which can be found in toothpaste and certain foods and can also be taken in pill form.
Other ways you can help reduce your risk of developing gum disease include brushing at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day. We also suggest seeing us at Legends Dental for cleanings twice a year.
Want to talk about your gum health? We thought you’d never ask! Give Legends Dental in Waco, Texas, a call at 254-799-9540 to schedule a consultation.