Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dental San Ramon, CA
The study of probiotics and prebiotics in dentistry examines the important role microbes play in our mouths. When it comes to dental health, some microbes are our friends, and some are our foes. Our understanding of microbes, and the important role that microbial diversity plays in keeping our bodies healthy, has come a long way.
Dentists are learning more and more about how to help you befriend the good germs and ward off the bad ones. For more information about incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into your dental hygiene routine or learning more about the oral-systemic connection, our team at Aaria Dental in San Ramon is here to help. Call us at (925) 967-2444 to learn more.
Differences Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
The main difference between probiotics and prebiotics is one is alive and the other is not. Probiotics are live organisms that carry health benefits and are similar to naturally living organisms in the body. They are non-toxic and benefit the host organism by reproducing bacteria in the mouth and oral cavity that help the body stay healthy.
Prebiotics are dietary supplements that favor and increase the growth of good bacteria over bad bacteria. According to Oral DNA Labs, "They empower your existing good bacteria (or good bacteria introduced through probiotics) to survive and establish a balanced ration of good-to-bad bacteria using nutrients to influence the oral environment." The relationship between pro- and prebiotics is similar to a seed (probiotic) and fertilizer (prebiotic); one is necessary to charge the other.
“The main difference between probiotics and prebiotics is one is alive and the other is not.”
The Connection between Probiotics and Oral Health
In addition to their systemic benefits, probiotics may also be beneficial within the specific domain of oral health. The oral cavity is estimated to have several hundred species of bacteria, and manipulating the composition of those bacterial species by introducing pro-health bacterial colonies may produce positive outcomes. A recent commentary published in the Dentistry Journal reviews the research that has evaluated the connection between probiotics and oral health, and found that probiotics may have the following benefits:
- Probiotics may antagonize harmful bacteria
- Probiotics may modify the development of dental plaques and reduce cavity-forming plaques
- Probiotics may help control periodontal disease and mitigate gingivitis
- Probiotics may confer resistance to oral infections by enhancing the oral immune response
More research is necessary on how probiotics may work as preventions or therapies for oral disease, but the current understanding is promising.
“Probiotics may modify the development of dental plaques and reduce cavity-forming plaques.”
How to Increase the Prebiotics in One’s Diet
Prebiotics are not as easy to incorporate into one's diet as their probiotic counterparts. The most common groups of prebiotics that are used for their health effects are fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides. Neither of these substances exists naturally in high quantities in foods, which is why prebiotics are typically manufactured and taken as supplements.
Another prebiotic substance, inulin, does occur naturally in leeks, onions, wheat, garlic, oats, soybeans, asparagus, and artichokes, according to the Current Developments in Nutrition journal.
“Neither of these substances exists naturally in high quantities in foods, which is why prebiotics are typically manufactured and taken as supplements.”
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Benefits of Probiotics
According to the National Institutes of Health, probiotics are becoming more ubiquitous within the United States, with their use by adults quadrupling within a recent 5-year period. While probiotics still represent an emerging field, researchers believe that probiotics have the following health benefits:
- Probiotics may positively influence the immune system
- Probiotics may create byproducts that can aid in food digestion and the production of certain vitamins
- Probiotics may help foster a community of healthy microorganisms by taking resources from undesirable organisms that cause disease
The research on probiotics is still ongoing, and they are currently being studied for their impact on specific medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and infantile colic.
“Probiotics may help foster a community of healthy microorganisms by taking resources from undesirable organisms that cause disease”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Q. What probiotics are recommended for my health condition?
Q. How do probiotics benefit oral health?
Q. What foods contain prebiotics?
Q. What are the benefits of probiotics?
People Also Ask
Q. How do oral bacteria affect the digestive system?
Q. How does oral health affect the gut and immune system?
Q. What can complete health dentistry do to promote my health?
Q. How is the mouth the gateway to the body?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Recommended Probiotics for Health Conditions
Choosing the right probiotic for a specific health condition may be difficult, but the most important factor to consider is it must contain live and active bacterial cultures. The packaging on any probiotics should indicate whether or not they contain live bacteria. It is important to research or ask a doctor about effective probiotics for a specific health condition.
Gut Health
The most common use of probiotics is for gut and gastrointestinal health as one of the leading homes for microorganisms is the gut. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care Probiotics, Seed's Daily Synbiotic, and Jarrow Formulas Ideal Bowel Support are well-known probiotics for the gut. These probiotics improve IBS symptoms, relieve constipation, and mitigate diarrhea.
Gum & Periodontal Disease
Gum and periodontal disease are common effects of harmful bacteria buildup, plaque, and tartar. Probiotics eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the amount that enters the body through various pathways. L. reuteri and L. brevis probiotics work well for gum and periodontal disease.
General Health
Probiotics are effective for all people, whether or not their health is at risk. Decreasing the amount of harmful bacteria and increasing healthy bacteria only reduces the likelihood of diseases and illnesses. Eating a probiotic-rich diet (found mostly in dairy products) and taking general health probiotics such as GNC Ultra 25 Probiotic Complex, Now Foods Probiotic-10, and 21st Century Acidophilus Probiotic Blend can help boost general health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics and Prebiotics
Q. What is the recommended dose when taking probiotics?
A. The recommended dose of any probiotic should be indicated on the packaging label. Each body is different and has a certain amount of live and active bacteria at any given time. Different probiotics can be effective at different levels. Thus, a product containing a higher number of live probiotics may not be better than one with fewer.
Q. What are the names of common prebiotics?
A. There are three categories of prebiotics that scientists have identified as supportive of overall health. These are known as fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and galactooligosaccharides. If you are looking for a prebiotic supplement, make sure that you check the ingredients label to see if these are included.
Q. Are probiotics bacteria?
A. Yes. Although the term "bacteria" has a rather negative connotation, many bacteria are helpful and supportive of your health. The two most common probiotic bacteria are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. If you check the ingredient label of your yogurt carton, you will likely see one of these named bacteria.
Q. How does the oral cavity compare to the rest of the body in terms of its microbial population?
A. Research shows that your mouth has the greatest microbial diversity of any other area in your body, including your gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, and skin. One of the reasons for this is that your mouth connects to many other places where microbes live, such as your sinuses, your skin (do you eat with your fingers?), and your gastrointestinal tract. There are an estimated 800 different species of microbes living in your mouth.
Q. How do microbes negatively affect dental health?
A. One of the most notorious ways in which microbes affect the health of your teeth is in the existence of plaques. A dental plaque is a structure known as a "biofilm," which is a hardy organ-like collection of bacteria that grows on the surface of your teeth. Biofilms that persist-- unchecked by brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular dental cleanings--can degrade your teeth and cause dental caries or cavities.
Q. What is the best way to maintain a healthy oral microbiome?
A. Practicing good daily oral hygiene is something you can do every day to maintain a healthy oral microbiome. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. It is also a good idea to use an ADA-approved mouthwash and use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around your orthodontic or dental work.
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Dental Terminology
Consult With Us
If you are looking for more information pertaining to complete health dentistry or the use of prebiotics and probiotics for oral health, call us at 925-967-2444 to speak to Aaria Dental.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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