Probiotic Supplements- Answer to Oral Health Issues & Bad Breath?
Overcoming the initial squeamishness of consuming bacteria for health, probiotic usage among Americans has been increasing. While digestive and immune health continues to be the main focus, recent research highlights the advantage of taking probiotics supplements for promoting good oral health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology, Dr. K.L. Vandana and her team of researchers found that a strain of probiotics called L. reuteri Prodentis may help to inhibit plaque formation and shows to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Researchers noted that probiotic oral treatment significantly reduced certain bacteria by up to 90 percent when compared with other oral treatments. 1
Who Needs Probiotic Supplements for Oral Health?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal diseases are mainly the results of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.
A recent CDC report provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.:
- 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.
- Periodontal Disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
This condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4%), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), those with less than a high school education (66.9%), and current smokers (64.2%)
Poor oral health status not only affects the mouth, but is also associated with other health effects and systemic diseases such as diabetes. Poor oral health also affects diet and nutrition as pain and inflammation in the gums may inhibit the ability to chew or maintain a healthy diet.
Oral Health Benefits of Oral Probiotics Supplements
Several research studies have reported the benefits of taking oral probiotic supplements:
- The probiotic strain bacteria S. salivarius M18 is said to have immune function supporting properties and may help reduce bacteria in the mouth. The Journal of Clinical Periodontology published this study showing that probiotics supplements containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota may improve oral health based on its interaction with the immune system. The use of oral probiotics as a strategy to compete with microorganisms in the mouth was associated with significant reduction in negative organisms, thus helping improve oral health. 3-4
- Probiotics may help reduce bad breath. A study shows that the administration of probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 could be an effective strategy to reduce bad breath. 5
- Bacillus subtilis has been studied as an oral mouth rinse and has shown effective results. 6
- A combination of three strains of probiotics, Strep. oralis strain KJ3sm, Strep. uberis strain KJ2sm and Strep. rattus, strain JH145 were studied as a probioitic mouthwash and was considered safe for daily use to maintain dental and periodontal health. 7
- Scientific research so far indicates that oral probiotics may hold a future in dentistry and in oral medicine. 8
The Takeaway
The team at NutraScience Labs can help you create a unique oral health probiotic formula intended to meet the needs of your specific target market. All of our probiotic manufacturing services are completed in state-of-the-art facilities that holds GMP certification. We also specialize in providing our customers with world-class, turnkey graphic design and packaging services, as well as in-house order fulfillment, and warehousing services.
For more information on how to go about taking advantage of these services, speak to one of our live representatives now or send us your probiotic manufacturing quote request. Price quotes are typically returned within 48 business hours.
References:
1. Journal of Oral Microbiology, published online ahead of print, doi: 10.3402/jom.v2i0.5344.
2. PNational Institute of Health
3. The Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2009, Vol. 36, pp. 850-856.
4. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2010 Feb 21. [Epub ahead of print]
5. J Appl Microbiol. 2006 Apr;100 (4):754-64.
6. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009 Nov;28(11):1353-6. Epub 2009 Aug 1.
7. J Appl Microbiol. 2009 Aug;107(2):682-90. Epub 2009 Mar 30.
8. Am J Dent. 2009 Dec;22(6):329-38.