Many people mostly consider their teeth when they think about their dental health, but your gums are equally significant. After all, there would be nothing holding your smile together without them, which is why advanced-stage gum disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults.
Thankfully, brushing and flossing twice daily helps maintain your teeth and connective tissues to protect your dental health. But did you know you might also prevent potential issues with probiotics? Continue reading to learn more about it!
What Causes Gum Disease?
Did you know that the average human mouth contains billions of bacteria representing hundreds of different species? Some are benign, or even help with digestion and other essential functions.
But others are more harmful. For example, the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, occurs when unhealthy bacteria overpower the positive ones in your mouth to form plaque at your gumline, which can penetrate the tender tissues and trigger an inflammatory response.
This condition often starts small and is easy to miss because it may not show obvious symptoms. But if left untreated, it can progress into a more serious infection that may eventually cause the periodontal tissues to recede, leaving your teeth without a firm enough anchor to stay in place.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide positive benefits when you consume or apply them. For example, different types of yogurt contain live cultures that can help regulate digestion and help maintain gut health. You can also find probiotics incorporated into certain foods, like juices or cereals, or as dietary supplements in pill, liquid, or powder form.
Regardless of the form they take, probiotics help fight unwanted microbes in your body, which can support your immune system, aid in nutrient absorption, support your skin, and improve urinary tract health, among other advantages.
Can Probiotics Help Prevent Gum Disease?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether probiotics might also help fight the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. A study shared last year tested the effect of a daily probiotic on periodontal health in adults with gingivitis. Half of the participants received specific probiotic lozenges, while the other half was given a placebo. After 8 weeks, scientists measured inflammatory markers to assess changes in symptoms associated with periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums or plaque buildup.
They found that patients who took probiotics had lower instances of gingivitis, suggesting that probiotics may help prevent gum disease and maintain healthy connective tissues.
If you suspect you have developed gingivitis or worse, probiotics can be helpful. But you may still require treatment, depending on your condition, so it’s best to contact your dentist for an appointment.
About the Practice
Patients at Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group benefit from a team of experts who go above and beyond to help meet their unique needs. General dentists and specialists, including a board-certified periodontist, collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, such as gum disease treatment, using advanced technology to deliver accurate results meant to last. If you’re concerned about periodontal problems, you can request an appointment on the website or call (410) 465-3224.