3 Benefits of Oral Probiotics–And How To Use Them

Oral probiotics are good bacteria that are naturally present in the oral cavity. These beneficial microbes maintain a healthy mouth and support a balanced dental environment, crucial for strong teeth and gums. 

Let’s look at three benefits of oral probiotics and find out if you may benefit from taking an oral probiotic supplement. 

What are oral probiotics?

While it’s well known that probiotics promote digestive health and immune system function, many people remain unaware of the importance of probiotic bacteria for oral health.   

Oral probiotics, also called dental probiotics, are beneficial microbes that naturally reside in the oral cavity. These healthy bacteria and fungi form the oral microbiome, which plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth healthy. 

Research published in Nutrients suggests that sugar consumption, smoking, poor oral hygiene, antibiotic drugs, and regular use of antibacterial mouthwash can disrupt the balance of oral microorganisms. 

Oral probiotic supplements can provide a convenient and effective way to support a balanced oral microbiome, enhance the integrity of teeth and gum tissue, and contribute to improved overall oral health. 

Watch the video below to learn how to maximize the health benefits of probiotic supplements. 

3 benefits of oral probiotics

Not only do certain probiotic strains offer oral health benefits, but promoting a diverse oral microbiome can also support a healthy digestive system and contribute to overall well-being. 

A study published in Microbiology investigated the relationship between oral probiotics and health and concluded, “The mouth is the gateway to total body wellness, and the oral microbiome influences the oral and overall health of an individual.”

Here are three health benefits of oral probiotics. 

1. Promote strong tooth enamel 

Oral probiotics help maintain a balanced oral microbiome, which supports the environment needed for strong, healthy enamel. 

Beneficial probiotic strains help keep the mouth’s pH in a balanced range, which is vital for maintaining optimal tooth enamel integrity and structure. 

Probiotics also help support natural saliva production, which aids in enamel remineralization and helps wash away everyday debris. 

By promoting a balanced microbiome and healthier saliva flow, oral probiotics help create conditions that protect and maintain strong enamel.

2. Support gum health 

Dental probiotics help maintain a balanced oral microbiome, which supports the natural resilience of the gums and promotes a calmer, less reactive environment in the oral cavity.

“Beneficial probiotic strains have also been found to modulate normal inflammatory responses in the mouth, thereby supporting the integrity and health of gum tissues,” explains Dr. Berg.  

Research published in BMC Oral Health summarizes, “Probiotics have been shown to exert beneficial effects on the oral microbiota and support the immune system.”

3. Bad breath remedy  

Oral probiotics are an effective natural remedy for combating bad breath by supporting a balanced oral gut microbiome, which is associated with a reduced release of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).

VSCs are a leading cause of foul-smelling breath, and many individuals seeking to improve bad breath choose to incorporate oral probiotics into their routine. 

Best probiotic strains for oral health

According to research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the two primary types of oral probiotics are Streptococcus and Lactobacillus. 

Each strain has unique benefits for oral health, and they work in combination to maintain a balanced oral microbiome. 

Some of the best probiotic strains for oral health include: 

• Streptococcus salivarius K12
• Streptococcus salivarius M18
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus salivarius
• Lactobacillus paracasei
• Lactobacillus sakei

How to use oral probiotics

Oral probiotics are available in various forms, including lozenges, mouth rinses, chewable tablets, and liquid probiotic supplements. 

The ideal time to take oral probiotics is immediately after completing your nightly oral hygiene routine. This allows sufficient contact time between beneficial bacteria and the gum tissue, ensuring maximum effectiveness.  

However, it’s crucial to carefully check the instructions of the probiotic product you plan to use and avoid taking oral probiotics with hot drinks, as heat destroys most microorganisms.

It’s equally important to consider the best form of oral probiotics for your needs. 

While probiotic lozenges and mouthwashes can help promote a healthy oral microbiome, they typically don’t deliver significant concentrations of beneficial bacteria into the gut. 

Probiotic supplements, on the other hand, can promote microbial diversity in the oral cavity while also supporting a diverse intestinal microflora.  

Best natural sources of probiotics for oral health

In addition to taking probiotic supplements to support oral health, there are plenty of probiotic-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet to promote a balanced oral microbiome.  

Here are some of the best probiotic foods for oral health:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Natto
• Kefir
• Miso
• Yogurt

Evidence published in Frontiers in Microbiology confirms that regular consumption of probiotic food sources, such as fermented products, is associated with overall better oral health. 

How long does it take for oral probiotics to work?

How long it takes for dental probiotics to work depends on the composition of your oral microbiome and your dental hygiene routine. 

Minor oral issues such as bad breath or mild gum discomfort typically resolve within two weeks of using oral probiotics. 

However, individuals with a significantly imbalanced microbiome in the oral cavity may require several months of consistent oral probiotic use to notice improvements.  

Risks of oral probiotics

Oral probiotic supplements are generally well-tolerated and considered safe. 

However, individuals with compromised immune systems and those undergoing chemotherapy treatment or taking immunosuppressant drugs shouldn’t take probiotics due to an increased risk of microbial infection.    

In addition, some people are allergic to components of probiotic supplements, and it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as swelling, wheezing, or shortness of breath after taking oral probiotics.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9227938/ 
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6605021/ 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10859023/ 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6803316/ 
5. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.845166/