Studies find oral health benefit to probiotics

There has been a lot said and written about probiotics in recent years. Studies have shown that they may play an important role in supporting the health of many systems of the body. Most of this research has focused on areas like digestive health. However, the oral health community is starting to get on board with probiotics, which may provide protection against gum disease and bad breath.

Probiotics involves the introduction of beneficial bacteria into the mouth. In many cases, these microbes can actually inhibit the production of more harmful bacteria. By doing so, they may be able to improve oral health.

The dental care industry may have been a little late in seeing the benefits of probiotics, but a growing number of experts now say that product containing the beneficial bacteria may provide extra support for healthy teeth and gums.

For example, Wim Teughels, a professor at the Catholic University Leuven in Belgium, recently conducted a study that showed the benefits of oral probiotics. The findings indicated that these beneficial microbes can actually kill bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. The findings could help solve one of the largest problems facing modern medicine.

Teughels told cosmetic design news that he expects the use of probiotics to take off in oral care in the coming years due in large part to these benefits, and that this may greatly help individuals who regularly struggle with problems like gingivitis and bad breath.

"I'm quite sure that probiotic oral health care will be a significant force, especially as there is strong demand from consumers," he told the news source. "We are looking for new treatment possibilities and oral care probiotics might open a very big door in relation to new approaches."

Similarly, studies conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that probiotics have a hampering effect on oral yeast and the bacteria that causes cavities. Investigators concluded that probiotic treatments may have a significant impact on oral health.

As a result of findings like these, a growing number of oral care providers are launching products that contain the beneficial microbes. Investing in products like these may help many individuals improve their oral health.