Probiotics May Improve Oral Health

Good oral hygiene, and particularly gum health, is important for more than just making sure you have good breath. Studies have shown that gum diseases can lead to heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. A recent study from AB-BIOTICS in Spain and the International University of Catalonia in Barcelona has found that probiotics may aid oral health.

The findings were published online ahead of print on November 3, 2011 in the Archives of Oral Biology.

Previous studies have shown that probiotics may prevent caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. The researchers sought to identify the lactic acid strains showing the best potential for oral health benefits.

100 strains of bacteria were isolated from healthy children, of which 46 were lactic acid bacteria and therefore qualified for this trial. The strains were tested in order to assess their ability to prevent oral disorders.

The researchers found that most of the strains tested were able to live in the mouth and actively work against gum disease. The strains showed high ability to adhere to oral tissues and did not present any antibiotic resistance. The researchers concluded that lactic acid bacteria could potentially be very useful for improving oral health.

Beyond oral health, probiotics have been shown to help aid in weight loss, improve digestion, prevent recurring yeast infections, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

You can get more probiotics by eating certain foods such as yogurt, milk and sauerkraut. For many people, taking a high quality supplement is an easier approach. If you choose this option, be sure it is packaged to block light, air and moisture which can easily kill probiotics.