Say Goodbye to Gum Disease: Study Shows How This Bacteria Can Save Your Smile!
A recent randomized controlled trial published in a scientific journal tested the effects of a daily probiotic on gum health in adults with gingivitis. The study was conducted by scientists who measured several inflammatory markers to assess improvements in gum health, including instances of gum bleeding and plaque prevalence. The trial found that individuals who took probiotic lozenges, with the bacterial strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, had a lower instance of gingivitis, indicating that probiotics may play an important role in preserving gum and oral health. The lead author of the study, Dr. Lenga, a periodontist based in Toronto, emphasizes that oral hygiene and gum health are essential considerations in every healthy lifestyle, as poor oral hygiene and gingivitis can lead to tissue and bone damage, and even tooth loss. Moreover, recent research suggests that poor oral health may be linked to cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is worth noting that digestion starts in the mouth, making it sensible that probiotics and the microbiome would play a role in oral hygiene and health. While brushing and flossing are essential in maintaining a healthy mouth, this study highlights that probiotics can also be useful additions to your oral health routine. Probiotics, from food and supplements, can support a variety of health goals, depending on the unique strain, from helping manage a healthy weight to supporting digestion. According to recent research, if they contain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, they may even support gum health and oral hygiene. Therefore, choosing the right probiotic supplement or food is crucial.
In addition to taking probiotics, there are several critical steps to maintain good oral health. Chewing your food well, brushing and flossing every day, and getting plenty of vitamin D for healthy teeth are some of the necessary measures to keep your mouth in excellent condition.
Overall, maintaining good oral health is an incredibly crucial part of our well-being routines, affecting everything from the freshness of our breath to our likelihood of developing cognitive decline. Therefore, this study’s findings suggest that certain probiotics may support gum health and overall oral hygiene, adding to the list of ways supporting our microbiome can make us happier and healthier.