The connections between oral health and gut health have not been fully appreciated in mainstream medical conversations. When the body loses beneficial bacteria, detrimental reactions can occur throughout its systems. To date, over 50 diseases and adverse medical conditions have been associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Some of these conditions include unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, Type I and Type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and, notably, inflammatory bowel disease. Supplementing with probiotics may help balance beneficial and harmful bacteria, supporting the body's ability to function properly.

Probiotics are often thought of as dietary supplements ingested in capsule form or through probiotic-rich foods. However, a lesser-known method of probiotic supplementation is specifically designed to become part of an oral hygiene regimen. This article emphasizes the importance of collaborative treatment between oral health and gastrointestinal (GI) practices to benefit overall health.

What Are Probiotics?

Simply stated, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide health benefits. Probiotics are part of a larger picture involving bacteria and the human body known as the microbiome (the full collection of microorganisms living in a specific environment).

Gut bacteria are an important component of the ecosystem within the human intestinal system. The body relies on these beneficial bacteria to perform essential functions, such as aiding digestion, protecting against infection, and supporting reproductive health. Probiotics can promote barrier integrity and help prevent antigens and pathogens from entering mucosal tissues (commonly known as the soft tissues that line the body's canals and organs within the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems). One of the body's first lines of defense is the mouth, where soft tissues are exposed to both beneficial and harmful substances.

Is There a Difference Between Oral and Gut Probiotics?

Oral probiotics contain strains of beneficial bacteria that may help prevent certain dental conditions associated with elevated levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth, such as periodontitis and tooth decay. Oral probiotics are available in several forms but are most commonly administered through lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.

Oral probiotics may help address persistent oral health concerns while restoring balance to the oral microbiome. Additional potential benefits include fresher breath and improved overall oral health. However, a lesser-known benefit of oral probiotics involves their potential influence beyond the mouth. Because the oral microbiome can affect the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining a healthy balance of oral bacteria may play a role in addressing broader health concerns.

Are Oral Probiotics Beneficial?

By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, individuals may experience additional positive health outcomes. Beginning with the oral microbiome, one of the body's first points of entry, is a logical step toward supporting whole-body health.

Individuals should always consult their healthcare provider or pediatrician before taking a supplement or giving one to a child. Supplements may interact with medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also consult their healthcare provider before taking any supplement. There is a reason the saying “you are what you eat” exists!

Tampa Bay Dental Implants and Periodontics is located at 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 727-384-9122 or visit tbPerio.com.