Probiotics & Oral Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit your health! Some health benefits include strengthening the immune system, fighting against disease causing organisms and aiding digestion. Although probiotics are bacterial based a few are yeast based. The Food and Drug Administration separates them into categories, dietary supplements and Foods. They can be consumed from foods, drinks, pills, lozengers, chewing gum and mouthrinses. Common foods with probiotics are yogurts, sour cream, butter, milk and cheese.
Research shows probiotics may work in the mouth by attaching to various parts of the mouth like the teeth, gums and plaque/biofilm. They alter the mouth's environment as well as produce antimicrobial substances to fight existing bacteria.
The thinking is that probiotics triggers the body's immune response to fight inflammation and or change the ph of the mouth to a healthier environment. Studies continue on the affects of probiotics and oral cancer, candidiasis (thrush), cavities, bleeding gums, loss of bone around teeth and bad breath. A New Zealand study found a decrease in sulfur production bacteria that can cause bad breath. After 2 weeks when S. salivarius K12 was used in mouthwashes, lozenges and chewing gums there was a noticeable decrease in bad breath. A product which comes in lozenger form called "PerioBalance", by Sunstar, advertises that in 28 days there is a 42% reduction in moderate to severe plaque and it fights bad breath.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat infections. Antibiotics kill organisms. Today we understand that probiotics help replenish good bacteria that can get destroyed during antibiotic therapy. Probiotics should be taken at least 2 hours after taking an antibiotic.
People who are immunocompromised, seriously ill, taking immunosupressants or have central venous catheters should not use probiotics because of potential harmful effects. Otherwise, to date probiotics are deemed safe for use among most children and adults.

Gray Winter Days, Vitamin D & Oral Health

Vitamin D is known as the "Sunshine Vitamin." It is the most easily absorbed from ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays. Vitamin D is a very important to our health. Low vitamin D levels are related to cancer risk, pain, diabetes, osteoporosis, mild hyperparathyroidism, bone diseases like rickets in children and osteomalicia in adults. People who live farther north have less UVB exposure and people living in higher altitudes have higher UVB exposure. Clouds block UV sun rays. It is estimated that 20,000 IU (international units)of Vitamin D is absorbed during summer sun exposure of 10-15 minutes two days a week when exposing your face, back, arms and hands. Current vitamin D recommendations vary between the Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and Institute of Medicine.
Sunshine is good for you just don't overdue it.