Your mouth contains millions of microscopic organisms; some good, some not so good. Each one serves a purpose. But when certain bacterial colonies flourish more or less than they should, it can contribute to an increased risk of oral diseases (like tooth decay and periodontitis,) infections like thrush, or even bad breath.
Keeping oral microbes in check can complement a good brushing and flossing routine, so that your teeth and gums are healthier during your next dental exam. Killing them all with an alcoholic mouthwash isn’t the best solution. What is? Incorporating a combination of prebiotics and probiotics into the dental and health products you’re using, to keep things balanced.
What’s the Difference Between a Pre- and Probiotic?
Although the name sounds similar, prebiotics and probiotics serve two very different purposes.
Probiotics are good bacteria found in things like capsules, or fermented foods (think yogurt.) They aim to increase good bacteria inside of the mouth, to keep bad bacteria in check. A probiotic is alive.
Prebiotics are found in certain plant fibers. They work like a fertilizer to increase the healthy bacteria, so they grow quickly (doubling their numbers in just a short period of time) to improve the immune response when combating dental diseases. Prebiotics are not live bacteria.
Using prebiotics and probiotics together can help to grow specific new types of bacteria that may be lacking inside of the mouth, and increase the good ones that are already there, so that “bad” bacteria become outnumbered. Not only does this compliment your oral health, it may also compliment your overall wellness as bacterial infections inside of the mouth place a strain on your immune system.
Once “bad” microbes are reduced by increasing the good ones, you can reduce your risk of the byproducts (such as acidic pH levels) that contribute to the development of things like tooth decay or halitosis.
Types of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dental Care Products
One of the most common prebiotic products available is Revitin; a specially formulated toothpaste blend that uses natural ingredients to encourage healthy oral flora growth. Compared to popular toothpastes, Revitin shows over a 70% reduction in bleeding gums (a symptom of bacterial infection.)
EvoraPro is a probiotic that’s specifically formulated to contain the three most important strains of good bacteria inside a healthy mouth. As a side-effect, it also reduces tooth staining and improves breath! Another alternative is Venus Smile Probiotic Mints, which are meant to be used once a day to freshen your breath as they deliver a blend of all-natural probiotics directly to your teeth.
If you’re specifically looking to reduce the amount of plaque that you tend to build up each day, Plaque HD is a chewable probiotic tablet that contains Streptococcus salivarus BLIS K12, one of the most beneficial and commonly occurring healthy bacteria in the mouth. Not only is this bacterium helpful for managing bad breath, it’s also been shown to reduce the risk of infections in the ear, nose, and throat.
Oral probiotics and prebiotics can be used in conjunction with one another, as they work together to promote a balanced and healthy biofilm that keeps your smile fresher and healthier for times to come.