Do Probiotics Help With Dental Issues?

Do probiotics help with dental issues, and should we be recommending them?

Yes, they are probably helpful. A new study released in the American Journal of Orthodontics showed a toothpaste reduced the levels of S mutans in plaque around the brackets of individuals with braces. Other studies have shown positive results for lozenges, probiotic cheese and yogurt, even ICE CREAM!

Probiotics have been proven to reduce gingivitis, likely by reducing inflammation at a biochemical level, and even reverse decay in adults. Pretty impressive results for something that I think could be easily implemented into almost anyone's daily routine.

Knowing that, has anyone tried these probiotics for dental care? Is anyone recommending them?

Based on the research, they seem helpful. But is it really to the point of being worth mentioning this as an adjunct treatment? I did buy and use an oral probiotic once. I had the whole staff try it, mostly just to see what it tasted like. It tasted fine, but I really wasn’t that interested in it and we never spoke of it again. It kind of just got forgotten. Reading the AJO-DO article re-piqued my interest and I am curious as to what others think.

Bryan Bauer, DDS, FAGD