Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and that means caring not just for your teeth, but also for your gums. If bacteria develop below the gum line you risk contracting an infection or developing gingivitis. You already know that one of the simplest ways to prevent gum disease is by brushing and flossing your teeth and gums regularly. Did you know, however, that there’s a new method for avoiding periodontal disease? A recent clinical study has shown that probiotics can also contribute to keeping your gums infection-free. Continue reading to learn more about why you should incorporate them into your daily routine!
What Are Probiotics?
Instead of killing harmful germs like antibiotics, probiotics help our bodies by encouraging the growth of healthy microbes. They consist of a mixture of live microorganisms that replenish the good bacteria in our systems. Some probiotics aid in digestion and weight management, for example. Others can help produce the vitamins your body needs. Many support immune responses that fight infection.
How Do Probiotics Help My Gums?
Probiotics help with more than weight management and digestion. They also can help your gums from developing diseases from infections. In a recent clinical study, half of the patients were given probiotics (specifically Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) and half were given a placebo. The control group that was given the placebo was almost twice as likely to develop plaque-induced gingivitis. The probiotics given to the remaining patients provided a stronger immune response to bacteria. This demonstrates that taking probiotics can actually help prevent gum disease!
How Can I Incorporate Probiotics Into My Routine?
Usually, the probiotics we consume are the same or similar to the beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in our bodies. They can be found naturally occurring in certain dairy foods like Greek yogurt and kefir. Some fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh also contain high levels of probiotics. Certain beverages like tea or kombucha also contain these live microbes.
Don’t worry if you don’t enjoy or cannot stomach these foods, though! Probiotics are also available as a supplement that can be added to your foods and beverages, or simply taken in pill form.
How Else Can I Keep My Gums Healthy?
In addition to introducing probiotics to your daily oral hygiene routine, remember the basics to keep your gums strong! Dentists recommend brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily to regularly remove unwanted germs. You can also use a mouthwash to refresh your entire mouth so no particles are left behind.
Finally, don’t forget to keep up with your regular checkups and cleaning appointments with your dentist! They have access to the right tools to professionally clean your teeth and gums. Seeing them regularly also ensures they have time to catch any areas of concern, like developing gingivitis, before it becomes a serious problem.
With probiotics so readily available, it’s easy to incorporate them into your daily oral hygiene routine. Give your system the boost it needs to stay healthy, and even your smile will thank you!
About the Practice
Dr. Brandon Rensch and Dr. Christine Laster know that it can be challenging to schedule dental care into your family’s busy schedule! They offer total oral healthcare services for the entire family under one roof so you don’t have to visit multiple offices. Whether you’d like regular cleanings, require restorative procedures, or have cosmetic goals, they can help! If you would like to schedule a checkup, feel free to contact the office on the website or call (919) 787-0355.