Benefits of Oral Probiotics & Best Strains
Improving gut health: Probiotics can help to balance
the gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms that live in the
digestive tract. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with a reduced risk of
gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea.
Boosting the immune system: Probiotics can help to
strengthen the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in
the gut. This can help to protect against infections and other illnesses.
Improving mental health: Some studies have suggested
that probiotics can help to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of
anxiety and depression.
Best strains: Some of the most well-studied strains
of probiotics include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and
Streptococcus thermophilus. These strains have been shown to provide a wide
range of health benefits, and are often found in probiotic supplements and
fermented foods.
It's important to note that probiotics are not a
one-size-fits-all solution and the best strain for one person may not be the
best for another. Consulting a doctor or a nutritionist before taking any
probiotic supplement is always a good idea.
What are dental/oral probiotics?
Dental or oral probiotics refer to the use of probiotic
microorganisms to improve oral health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that,
when consumed in sufficient amounts, can provide health benefits.
Some of the potential benefits of oral probiotics
include:
Reducing plaque and tooth decay: Certain strains of
probiotics, such as Streptococcus salivarius, have been shown to inhibit the
growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque and tooth decay.
Treating and preventing gingivitis: Probiotics can help to
reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria
that can cause gingivitis.
Reducing bad breath: Probiotics can help to break
down food particles and reduce the levels of sulfur compounds in the mouth that
can cause bad breath.
Improving overall oral health: Probiotics can help to
promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth, which can help to
improve overall oral health.
Oral probiotics can be found in supplements, toothpastes,
mouthwashes, lozenges or chewable tablets or gummies. However, it's important
to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and
safety of oral probiotics, and it's always best to consult with a dentist or a
doctor before taking any supplement.
Oral vs. Gut Probiotics
Oral probiotics and gut probiotics are both types of
probiotics, which are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient
amounts, can provide health benefits. However, they have different functions
and target different areas of the body.
Oral probiotics are used to improve oral health. They are
specifically designed to target the mouth and throat, and can help to reduce
plaque and tooth decay, treat and prevent gingivitis, reduce bad breath, and
improve overall oral health. Some examples of oral probiotics include
Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus paracasei.
Gut probiotics, on the other hand, are used to improve gut
health. They are specifically designed to target the digestive tract and can
help to improve the balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can help to
reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel
disease and diarrhea. They can also help to strengthen the immune system,
improve mental health, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Some
examples of gut probiotics include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium
bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus.
It is worth mentioning that some probiotics strains can have
benefits on both oral and gut health, such as Lactobacillus reuteri. Therefore,
it is important to consult with a doctor or a nutritionist before taking anyprobiotic supplement to ensure that you are getting the right strain for your
specific needs.
What are the Best Probiotic Strains to Take?
The best probiotic strains to take will depend on your
specific health needs and goals. However, some strains that have been well-studied
and have been shown to provide a wide range of health benefits include:
Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain is commonly
found in the human gut and can help to improve the balance of microorganisms in
the gut. It has been shown to help with a variety of gastrointestinal issues,
such as diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain is also commonly
found in the human gut, particularly in the large intestine, and is known for
its ability to improve gut health and boost the immune system.
Streptococcus thermophilus: This strain is commonly
used in the production of fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese.
It can help to improve gut health, boost the immune system, and improve lactose
digestion.
Lactobacillus reuteri: This strain has been shown to
be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, promoting oral health and
preventing cavities.
Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast strain has been
used to help prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, particularly
in people who are taking antibiotics.
It's important to note that probiotics are not a
one-size-fits-all solution, and it's always best to consult with a doctor or a
nutritionist before taking any probiotic supplement to ensure that you are
getting the right strain for your specific needs.
Benefits of Dental Probiotics
Dental probiotics are a type of probiotics that are
specifically designed to improve oral health. Some of the potential benefits of
dental probiotics include:
Reducing plaque and tooth decay: Certain strains of
probiotics, such as Streptococcus salivarius, have been shown to inhibit the
growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque and tooth decay.
Treating and preventing gingivitis: Probiotics can
help to reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent the buildup of harmful
bacteria that can cause gingivitis.
Reducing bad breath: Probiotics can help to break
down food particles and reduce the levels of sulfur compounds in the mouth that
can cause bad breath.
Improving overall oral health: Probiotics can help to
promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth, which can help to
improve overall oral health.
Preventing recurrence of periodontal disease after
treatment: Dental probiotics can help to prevent recurrence of periodontal
disease after treatment by reducing the population of pathogenic bacteria in
the oral cavity.
It's important to note that more research is needed to fully
understand the effectiveness and safety of dental probiotics. Always consult
with a dentist or a doctor before taking any supplement.
How long do oral probiotics take to work
The length of time it takes for oral probiotics to work can
vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific probiotic strain,
the dosage, and the individual's overall health.
In general, it may take several days to several weeks for
oral probiotics to start having an effect. Some studies have shown that certain
oral probiotics can start to improve oral health within just a few days, while
others may take several weeks or longer to start having an effect.
It's also worth noting that, while oral probiotics can
provide benefits in the short term, they are most effective when taken over a
longer period of time. Regular use of oral probiotics can help to promote a
healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth and maintain oral health.
It's always best to consult with a dentist or a doctor
before taking any oral probiotic supplement and follow the recommended usage
and dosage for the specific oral probiotic product. They can also give you an
estimate of how long it may take for the oral probiotic to work for you.
How to Take Oral Probiotics
There are several ways to take oral probiotics,
including:
Supplements: Oral probiotic supplements are available
in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and powders. They typically
contain a specific strain or combination of strains of probiotics. It is
important to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging or as advised by
your doctor or dentist.
Foods: Certain fermented foods, such as yogurt,
kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, contain probiotics. Eating these foods regularly
can help to boost your probiotic intake.
Toothpaste and mouthwash: Some toothpastes and
mouthwashes contain probiotics, which can help to improve oral health.
Lozenges or Chewable tablets: Some oral probiotics
are available in the form of lozenges or chewable tablets. These can be used to
help improve oral health and freshen breath.
It is important to note that probiotics need to be stored
properly and according to the manufacturers instructions to ensure the
probiotics are still alive when you consume them. Also, it's always best to
consult with a dentist or a doctor before taking any oral probiotic supplement
to ensure that it is appropriate for you and to get the recommended usage and
dosage for the specific oral probiotic product.
Should I take oral probiotics in the morning or at night?
The best time to take oral probiotics may vary depending on
the specific product and the individual's schedule. Some oral probiotics may be
more effective when taken at certain times of the day.
In general, it's recommended to take oral probiotics with a
meal. This can help to protect the probiotics from stomach acid and improve
their chances of surviving to reach the gut. Some studies have suggested that
taking probiotics with a meal that contains fat can further enhance their
survival rate.
There is no specific evidence that shows that taking oral
probiotics at a specific time of day, such as morning or night, is more
effective than taking them at any other time. However, some people may find it
more convenient to take them at night as part of their bedtime routine, so they
won't forget to take them during the day.
It's important to note that consistency is key when taking
oral probiotics, so it's best to take them at a time that works best for your
schedule and is easy to remember to ensure you are taking them regularly. Also,
it's always best to consult with a dentist or a doctor before taking any oral
probiotic supplement to ensure that it is appropriate for you and to get the
recommended usage and dosage for the specific oral probiotic product.
How to Choose the Best Oral Probiotic
When choosing an oral probiotic, it's important to
consider the following factors:
Strains: Different probiotic strains have different
effects on the body. Make sure to choose a product that contains strains that
have been shown to be effective for oral health, such as Streptococcus
salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus paracasei, among others.
Potency: Look for products that contain a high number
of colony forming units (CFUs) per dose. This will ensure that you are getting
a sufficient amount of probiotics to have an effect.
Quality: Choose a probiotic from a reputable company
that follows good manufacturing practices. Look for products that have been
independently tested for purity and potency.
Price: Compare prices of different products, but also
make sure to consider the quality of the product and the number of CFUs per
dose.
Reviews: Read online reviews from people who have
used the product. This can give you an idea of the effectiveness and potential
side effects of the probiotic.
Consult a professional: Before taking any oral
probiotic supplement, it's always best to consult with a dentist or a doctor to
ensure that it is appropriate for you and to get the recommended usage and
dosage for the specific oral probiotic product.
It's important to note that probiotics are not a
one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one person may not work for
another. Therefore, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before
taking any oral probiotic supplement.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods are foods that contain live microorganisms
that can provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts. Some
examples of probiotic foods include:
Fermented dairy products: Products such as yogurt,
kefir, and cheese contain strains of probiotics such as Lactobacillus
acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
Fermented vegetables: Vegetables such as sauerkraut,
kimchi, and pickles can be fermented to contain probiotics. These are a great
source of probiotics that can help to improve gut health.
Kombucha: This is a fermented tea that contains
probiotics, antioxidants and organic acids
Miso: This is a Japanese fermented soybean paste that
contains probiotics and can be used as a seasoning or condiment.
Tempeh: This is a traditional Indonesian food made
from fermented soybeans and a source of probiotics.
Sourdough bread: Sourdough bread is made by
fermenting dough using naturally occurring wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria,
which can provide probiotics.
It's important to note that not all fermented foods containprobiotics, it is always best to check the label or do research before purchasing.
Also, it's always best to consult with a doctor or a nutritionist before adding
probiotic-rich foods to your diet, especially if you have a health condition or
are taking medications that may interact with probiotics.