Do you regularly eat yogurt, pickles, or cottage cheese? If so, you’ll be glad that you do, especially since researchers have recently discovered there are clear benefits to incorporating probiotics into your daily diet. Not only are these helpful in achieving better gut health, but they also minimize the potential development of gum disease. Keep reading to learn more about this discovery and how you can better protect your oral health.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms (bacteria) that help improve overall health, especially the gut, by reducing the chances of an imbalance, which can be caused by illness, poor diet, and more.
They are found in various foods and supplements, which is why you will often hear your doctor talk about the benefits of eating more yogurt to help maintain a healthy digestive system.
While your body can experience a positive boost when taking probiotics, so can your mouth, more specifically, your gums.
How Do Probiotics Improve Gum Health?
Scientists recently performed a controlled trial on various adults living with gingivitis. By administering a daily probiotic lozenge to half of the group, the others received a placebo. The scientists closely monitored the effects of good bacteria on gum health for eight weeks.
After this time, they discovered those who received the probiotic experienced a reduced presence of gingivitis. As a result, they concluded that these good bacteria may help in decreasing gum disease and improving patients’ oral health.
When ingesting probiotics, the good bacteria can begin to fight off any bad microbes inside the mouth that might cause gum disease. As a result, you can experience a healthier balance of oral bacteria, which can reduce your overall risk of inflammation, disease, and infection throughout your body.
Since gum disease is commonly linked to poor cognitive health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other similar conditions, adding probiotics to your diet will benefit your overall well-being.
In addition to including healthy microbes in your diet, you’ll also want to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. Implementing these practices into your daily routine will give you the best chance to maintain a healthier smile and body for life.
About the Author
Dr. Valeria Labastida or “Dr. V” as she is more commonly known finds it gratifying to use innovative solutions and techniques as well as natural ways to help improve her patients’ oral health. When gum disease is a concern, she and the team at Alpharetta Modern Dentistry can provide safe and effective treatment options to combat early signs as well as offer at-home tips to mitigate the potential development of a bacterial attack on the gums. If you want to know what you can do to minimize your risk of gum disease, visit our website or call (470) 282-5157.