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.