As your dentist in Aloha, Dr. Slater wants every patient to enjoy the very best oral health possible, which is why he recommends considering probiotics as part of your oral care routine. As most of us already know, tooth decay and gum disease pose two big threats to our long-term oral health. By lowering your risk, you can not only improve your oral health but your overall health.
As well as brushing and flossing daily. Scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Slater– ranks as the best practice for lowering your risk of gum disease. Recent studies have suggested that taking probiotics may also help to prevent gingivitis.
Probiotics and Oral Health
Gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease – causes redness, irritation, and inflammation of the gums. While fairly common and easily treatable, gingivitis can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. It can lead to periodontitis – when left unchecked. Periodontitis attacks gum tissue and the supporting bone structure that holds your teeth into position. In time, the disease can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis ranks as the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the world.
Studies have found that by changing their diet to include more probiotics. Probiotics are a healthy form of bacteria found in the body. Patients may be able to delay, slow, or stop the growth of harmful oral bacteria that cause gingivitis. According to researchers at The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
In one study, participants were asked to take two different formulations of a certain type of probiotic or a placebo. They had their indicators for gingivitis lowered in severity. The buildup of plaque also decreased in participants in both the control and study groups. The mixture that most dramatically reduced the severity of gingivitis showed that the probiotic had colonized 65 percent of the patients while the formulation that caused the smallest improvement in gingivitis had colonized 95 percent of participants.
Researchers devised three explanations for the effect probiotics have had on gingivitis. They suggest the secretions from the probiotic prevent the growth of a variety of pathogens; that is could easily colonize the mouth, forcing bad bacteria out; or they prevent the creation of pro-inflammatory substances.
Oral probiotics are designed to help good microorganisms repopulate the mouth. As these organisms grow, they can begin to overtake harmful bacteria trying to grow in the mouth. While more research is needed to understand the links between probiotics and gum disease, this initial research certainly highlights why to add more of these compounds to your diet.
Preventing Gum Disease
Your dentist in Aloha, Dr. Slater, wants patients to understand that preventing gum disease will not only help your oral health, but can also help improve your overall health, as well.
Recent studies have found that individuals suffering from gum disease have a significantly higher risk of developing a range of chronic health conditions.
That includes heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Breakthroughs such as the effect probiotics have on gum disease can help ensure that you enjoy better oral health. While also significantly lowering your risk for these types of serious long-term illnesses.
Don’t treat your oral health as a luxury. If you suffer from the signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Slater today.
It is our sincere desire that you will feel at home in our office setting. We make every effort to ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible.
We know you wish to receive dental care from a highly trained and caring staff. All new patients are welcome and promise that we will provide the same unwavering quality to your family members and friends as well.
