The oral microbiome is linked to dental problems 

The microbial colony of the mouth, known as the oral microbiome, helps to maintain the health and function of the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, tongue and mouth. The oral microbiome is complex and unique to each person and if it becomes imbalanced it can lead to tooth decay, dental caries, gum disease, periodontitis, and gingivitis.

Oral microbial balance influences oral health through the following actions:

● Maintaining pH balance – sugary or high-carbohydrate foods can disrupt this balance

● Supports the localised immune system 

● Keeps pathogenic microbes under control by exerting antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal effects

 The oral microbiome helps to maintain oral health. An imbalance of these microbes can lead to dental problems.

 What influences good oral health? 

Good oral health is reliant on many factors arising from the internal as well as external environment, including:12

● Diet & lifestyle factors that influence the oral environment – e.g. smoking, consumption of sugary foods/drinks

● Dental hygiene

● Immune status

● Medication and antibiotic use 

● Oral pH – i.e. the balance of acid and base in the mouth

 Get back into balance

If you have dental issues, oral inflammation, and other health concerns, your healthcare professional can help support you, in conjunction with your dentist, to improve your oral health.

Lifestyle recommendations:

● Tooth brushing and flossing twice a day 

● Regular descaling at the dentist 

● Quit smoking 

● Improve immune function generally

● Address nutritional deficiencies 

● Take a probiotic design to support the oral microbiome every day

 Dietary recommendations:

● Reduce intake of sugar and sugary drinks 

● Reduce consumption of highly acidic foods – e.g. soft drinks, some fruit juices, vinegar and dry wine 

● Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fibre, minerals and vitamins

● Increase prebiotic and fibre consumption 

● Increase intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids

Specific probiotics can help rebalance the oral microbiome and reduce the risk of dental issues.

A little extra help for better oral health 

There are specific probiotic strains that beneficially impact the oral microbiome and oral health. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 are two well researched probiotic strains that have been shown to have many positive effects on oral health and the oral microbiome.

The combination of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri PTA ATCC 5289 has been extensively trialled for support of oral health and found to help with:

● Prevention and treatment of dental caries 

● Reduction in dental plaque build-up 

● Prevention and treatment of gingivitis 

● Prevention and treatment of periodontal disease 

● Prevention and treatment of bad breath 

● Reduction of oral candidiasis 

● Reduction of oral inflammation 

● Improved oral microbial diversity 

● Reduced numbers of pathogenic micro-organisms in the mouth 

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 are only available through your healthcare practitioner. If you want to know more about improving the health of your oral microbiome contact your healthcare professional for a personalised treatment plan. 

Supporting a healthy oral microbiome with the right probiotics could improve your oral and overall health. To find out more talk to your healthcare Practitioner today! 

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