Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dental Los Angeles, CA
The study of probiotics and prebiotics in dentistry examines the important role microbes play in our mouths. When it comes to dental health, some microbes are our friends, and some are our foes. Our understanding of microbes, and the important role that microbial diversity plays in keeping our bodies healthy, has come a long way.
Dentists are learning more and more about how to help you befriend the good germs and ward off the bad ones. For more information about incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into your dental hygiene routine or learning more about the oral-systemic connection, our team at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles is here to help. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to learn more.
Differences Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
The main difference between probiotics and prebiotics is one is alive and the other is not. Probiotics are live organisms that carry health benefits and are similar to naturally living organisms in the body. They are non-toxic and benefit the host organism by reproducing bacteria in the mouth and oral cavity that help the body stay healthy.
Prebiotics are dietary supplements that favor and increase the growth of good bacteria over bad bacteria. According to Oral DNA Labs, "They empower your existing good bacteria (or good bacteria introduced through probiotics) to survive and establish a balanced ration of good-to-bad bacteria using nutrients to influence the oral environment." The relationship between pro- and prebiotics is similar to a seed (probiotic) and fertilizer (prebiotic); one is necessary to charge the other.
“The main difference between probiotics and prebiotics is one is alive and the other is not.”
Connection Between Probiotics and Oral Health
The oral cavity is home to a large amount of bacteria, many of which lead to diseases of the mouth and other organs. In fact, a special issue in Aegis on oral microbial wellness found, "Bacteria are a major component of the oral environment where more than 800 different microbial species co-exist, making the oral cavity the most diverse microbial population of the body." Probiotics aid in killing biofilm and plaque buildup, the main causes of bacterial diseases and infections.
Many new dental strategies involving the manipulation of good oral microbiota, which are provided by probiotics, have been implemented to prevent oral diseases. That is, many dentists, especially complete health dentists, have incorporated the use of probiotics to aid in creating a more bacterially-healthy oral environment in some patients. Patients who take probiotics orally have also seen a tremendous difference in their oral and general health.
“Probiotics aid in killing biofilm and plaque buildup, the main causes of bacterial diseases and infections.”
How to Increase Prebiotics in Diet
Prebiotics have active agents that stimulate the growth of probiotics in the oral cavity and gut. They are natural sugars and fibers that work with healthy bacteria and yeast to promote health. Medical News Today lists the most common foods that contain prebiotics as fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds. Various types of these foods can include:
- Fruits: bananas, custard apples, watermelon, grapefruit
- Vegetables: chicory, artichokes, garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, cabbage
- Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, red kidney beans, baked beans, soy beans
- Cereal grains: bran, barley, oats
- Nuts and seeds: almonds, pistachios, flaxseeds
“They are natural sugars and fibers that work with healthy bacteria and yeast to promote health.”
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Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics have the ability to eliminate bad bacteria while increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria. A study in the Dentistry Journal found that "the nature and composition of any individual microbiome impacts the general health, being a major contributor to oral health." In turn, oral bacteria greatly contribute to general health and the functionality of various organ systems.
Healthline provides the major benefits of probiotics on oral health:
- They help prevent plaque
- Can help fight bad breath
- Can prevent oral cancers or reduce symptoms
- Manage symptoms of gingivitis
- Decrease inflammation of gum disease
Although these benefits are not guaranteed with all types of probiotics, beneficial factors increase with the use of them. Probiotics are also not harmful, and taking them only benefits the person as a heightened number of healthy bacteria leads to overall health.
“Probiotics have the ability to eliminate bad bacteria while increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria.”
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Recommended Probiotics for Health Conditions
Choosing the right probiotic for a specific health condition may be difficult, but the most important factor to consider is it must contain live and active bacterial cultures. The packaging on any probiotics should indicate whether or not they contain live bacteria. It is important to research or ask a doctor about effective probiotics for a specific health condition.
Gut Health
The most common use of probiotics is for gut and gastrointestinal health as one of the leading homes for microorganisms is the gut. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care Probiotics, Seed's Daily Synbiotic, and Jarrow Formulas Ideal Bowel Support are well-known probiotics for the gut. These probiotics improve IBS symptoms, relieve constipation, and mitigate diarrhea.
Gum & Periodontal Disease
Gum and periodontal disease are common effects of harmful bacteria buildup, plaque, and tartar. Probiotics eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the amount that enters the body through various pathways. L. reuteri and L. brevis probiotics work well for gum and periodontal disease.
General Health
Probiotics are effective for all people, whether or not their health is at risk. Decreasing the amount of harmful bacteria and increasing healthy bacteria only reduces the likelihood of diseases and illnesses. Eating a probiotic-rich diet (found mostly in dairy products) and taking general health probiotics such as GNC Ultra 25 Probiotic Complex, Now Foods Probiotic-10, and 21st Century Acidophilus Probiotic Blend can help boost general health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics and Prebiotics
Q. What is the recommended dose when taking probiotics?
A. The recommended dose of any probiotic should be indicated on the packaging label. Each body is different and has a certain amount of live and active bacteria at any given time. Different probiotics can be effective at different levels. Thus, a product containing a higher number of live probiotics may not be better than one with fewer.
Q. What are the names of common prebiotics?
A. There are three categories of prebiotics that scientists have identified as supportive of overall health. These are known as fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and galactooligosaccharides. If you are looking for a prebiotic supplement, make sure that you check the ingredients label to see if these are included.
Q. Are probiotics bacteria?
A. Yes. Although the term "bacteria" has a rather negative connotation, many bacteria are helpful and supportive of your health. The two most common probiotic bacteria are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. If you check the ingredient label of your yogurt carton, you will likely see one of these named bacteria.
Q. How does the oral cavity compare to the rest of the body in terms of its microbial population?
A. Research shows that your mouth has the greatest microbial diversity of any other area in your body, including your gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, and skin. One of the reasons for this is that your mouth connects to many other places where microbes live, such as your sinuses, your skin (do you eat with your fingers?), and your gastrointestinal tract. There are an estimated 800 different species of microbes living in your mouth.
Q. How do microbes negatively affect dental health?
A. One of the most notorious ways in which microbes affect the health of your teeth is in the existence of plaques. A dental plaque is a structure known as a "biofilm," which is a hardy organ-like collection of bacteria that grows on the surface of your teeth. Biofilms that persist-- unchecked by brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular dental cleanings--can degrade your teeth and cause dental caries or cavities.
Q. What is the best way to maintain a healthy oral microbiome?
A. Practicing good daily oral hygiene is something you can do every day to maintain a healthy oral microbiome. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. It is also a good idea to use an ADA-approved mouthwash and use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around your orthodontic or dental work.
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Consult With Us
If you are looking for more information pertaining to complete health dentistry or the use of prebiotics and probiotics for oral health, call us at 310-906-1300 to speak to Vatan Dental Group.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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