The average adult has as high as 20 billion microbes in their mouth at any given time, with all of them representing about 200 different species. Of these billions of microbes, countless are necessary for your oral health and function, helping break down food, and most importantly, combat the harmful waste contributed by bad bacteria, helping keep the balance in-check. When this balance goes awry, it can lead to an influx of oral health problems like gum disease and cavities. Read on to learn how gum disease forms and how taking probiotics could help minimize the threat of this common oral health problem.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, which has two stages, called gingivitis and periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health problems across the globe, estimated to affect one out of two adults in the world. It’s caused by a buildup of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth, which is often seen in the form of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
With time, these bacteria will accumulate too much waste for the good bacteria to clean up, causing an infection to develop, called gum disease. This is often the result of poor at-home oral hygiene, as well as too few professional dental cleanings throughout the year, which is the only cleaning process that can clear away hardened tartar from teeth.
Is It Possible to Prevent Gum Disease with Probiotics?
Gum disease is preventable in most cases, although those who are immunocompromised or who have medical conditions that impact their oral health may be at a much higher risk of developing the condition. There are a few great ways to help ward off the threat of gum disease, including
- Brushing twice a day at home
- Flossing at least once a day
- Rinsing daily with antimicrobial mouthwash
- Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
Another preventive method is taking daily probiotics to help keep the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria in check. Researchers have tested how daily probiotics can impact gum health in adults with gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease), and after eight weeks, they examined their mouths for signs of gum disease. Their examination found that participants who took probiotics noticed significant improvements in instances of bleeding gums and plaque build-up. They also found that adults taking probiotics experienced lower instances of gingivitis.
In short, probiotics can help boost your oral health by minimizing symptoms of gum disease by evening out the balance of good versus bad oral bacteria, according to findings in recent studies!
Early Signs of Gum Disease
Probiotics can help the most before you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or in its earliest stages, so keep an eye out for some of the most common signs of gingivitis, like:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Gums that appear dark red, bright red, or purplish
- Swollen, puffy, or tender gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, consider visiting a specialist in the treatment and diagnosis of gum disease, called a periodontist. These experts receive an additional several years of hands-on training and education after dental school that make them the authority on all things gum disease.
About the Practice
At Cranford Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants, our team is comprised of four highly skilled periodontists, Drs. Mehdi Saber, Samantha Aaron, Vandeep Bagga, and Niyati Kapadia. With years of experience and expert knowledge on the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of gum disease, our team offers a wide array of specialized services to keep the foundation of your smile healthy and infection-free. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 908-709-6777.