Dental Probiotics: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use

Probiotics have become a popular topic for overall health and wellness. And as the science continues to grow, new products become available to help with various conditions. Among these products are dental probiotics. These claim to balance the oral microbiome by potentially reducing harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial ones. Dental probiotics may be useful for issues like cavities, bad breath, and gum disease prevention. But, before adding them to your daily dental care routine, you must fully understand their safety and effectiveness. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits, possible side effects, and proper ways to use them.

What are dental probiotics?

The mouth is home to a diverse and abundant community of microbes that make up the normal microflora of the oral cavity. It has been estimated more than 700 different species live in the mouth on the tongue, teeth, gums, cheeks, palate, and tonsils. Many factors can disrupt this natural balance. Things like diet, tobacco or alcohol use, antibiotics, and pregnancy can significantly impact what bacteria are most prevalent in the mouth. An imbalance of oral microbiota may increase the risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease. The oral microbiome has also been linked to several systemic diseases.

Dental probiotics, also called oral probiotics, are specific strains of live bacteria introduced into the mouth to help support the delicate balance of the normal oral microflora. Because there are limited surfaces and nutrients for bacteria to live in the mouth, the beneficial bacteria compete with the harmful bacteria for space. If enough beneficial bacteria are present, they can win the battle.

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, studies suggest that using these beneficial bacteria may help manage or possibly prevent many dental diseases linked to harmful bacteria.

Types of dental probiotics

Although oral probiotics use some of the same bacteria other probiotic supplements use, the delivery method differs. Dental probiotics are designed so the bacteria concentrate in the mouth. Most come in drops, mouth mints, chewable tablets, or lozenges. This keeps the beneficial bacteria in the mouth longer than if swallowed. Concentrating the bacteria in the mouth allows it a better chance to join forces with the normal microflora.

You may also find probiotics in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and probiotic drinks. Let's take a closer look at the different types of oral probiotics that are available.

Pills

Pill-form oral probiotics, such as lozenges, chewable tablets, and mouth mints, are the most common types of products available for oral health. These are convenient and easy to use. Some require refrigeration, while others can safely sit out on the cabinet. Many pill-form probiotics use freeze-dried technology to keep the bacteria dormant, which also helps keep them shelf-stable for longer. They are also easy to take on the go for busy lifestyles. Most are designed to dissolve in the mouth.

Mouthwash

Probiotic mouthwash contains live microbes found in the mouth's normal microflora. A study in healthy children with both primary and permanent teeth compared probiotic mouthwash and fluoride mouthwash. After one month of use, both types of mouthwash were effective in maintaining oral health. However, the probiotic mouthwash controlled plaque buildup better than the fluoride mouthrinse. Plaque control may help reduce the risk of certain dental diseases.

Chewing gum

Chewing probiotic-containing gum has been studied for potential oral benefits. The most significant potential benefit is increasing salivary flow, neutralizing pH levels, and temporarily improving bad breath.

One small study suggests chewing gum with probiotics may partially improve breath better than regular gum in young adults.

Another study suggests probiotic gum may help temporarily reduce oral inflammation markers as well. Therefore, probiotic chewing gum, instead of regular gum, containing at least one strain of Lactobacillus bacteria may temporarily improve breath. However, more in-depth studies are needed to determine if these benefits are significant for people of all ages or more for those with severe halitosis.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a staple for oral health. From potentially reducing gingivitis to freshening breath, toothpaste is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth.

Over the past few years, toothpaste with specific probiotics has become more popular. Some in vitro studies show that probiotic toothpaste may better inhibit some disease-causing bacteria in the mouth than regular toothpaste. It may also help prevent oral infections, cavities, and periodontal disease. This convenient form makes adding probiotics to your oral health routine easier. However, more research is needed to fully understand all the possible benefits, as probiotic toothpaste is still very new.

Liquids

Oral probiotic drops are another mouth-friendly form. Usually, a couple of drops are applied directly in the mouth and swished around to coat the whole surface.

Other liquid probiotics include drinks. While these are not specific for the mouth, they may be beneficial for oral microflora as well. While there is little research on how probiotic drinks affect the oral microbiome, it is suggested that the beneficial bacteria in drinks like kefir may help reduce the harmful bacteria as these drinks pass through the mouth and into the digestive tract. Many of the same bacteria stains are used for digestive and oral probiotics. The most significant difference is where the products concentrate and begin populating.

Reviewing the benefits of dental probiotics

A balanced oral microbiota helps maintain a healthy mouth. Oral diseases may occur when certain bacteria in the mouth overgrow. Current research is still growing on the exact relationship between oral and systemic diseases. However, here are some diseases that have been associated with oral bacteria imbalances:

Benefits associated with dental probiotics include:

• Cavities. According to studies on children, products containing Lactobacilli or probiotic Bifidobacterium may lower the amount of S. mutants in saliva. Although it's part of the normal flora of the mouth, an overgrowth of S. mutans may be one of the factors in developing cavities. Balancing the oral microbiome may help prevent cavities from developing. However, more research is needed to determine if these probiotics have the same effect on adult oral microbiomes.
• Periodontal disease and gingivitis. The probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri may be useful for managing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Some studies show it may help reduce bleeding, improve attachment level, and reduce pocket depth.
• Bad breath. The probiotic bacteria W. cibaria may be useful for controlling bad breath.

Side effects of dental probiotics

Most bacteria strains used in probiotics have a long history of being used without adverse effects. Therefore, probiotics are considered safe for most people. However, side effects can occur. Here are the most reported adverse reactions:

• Intestinal disturbances. Like increased gas, bloating, or constipation. These are usually mild and resolve without any treatment.
• Medications interactions. Since probiotics can change the gut microbiome, some reports have been made of interfering with the absorption or effectiveness of some medications. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider if you take prescription medications before adding dental probiotics. They can advise you of any possible interactions or suggest alternatives.
• Allergic reactions. Some people may be sensitive to specific strains of bacteria commonly used in probiotics. Allergic reactions may include hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these reactions.
• Infections. Since probiotics are live bacteria, there is a slight chance of infection. This is more likely in patients with compromised immune systems or critically ill patients.

The safety of probiotics has not been thoroughly studied. More scientific evidence is needed for treating young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Also, probiotic products are considered dietary supplements and are regulated as foods, not drugs. Therefore, they do not have to pass the same strict regulations as OTC or prescription medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor and discuss any concerns before adding any probiotics to your daily routine.

The effectiveness of dental probiotics: does it work?

More research is needed to fully understand how probiotics work and their full potential for oral health. At present, there is no standard on the effective dosage for managing and preventing specific diseases. Also, with so many types of products available, it is hard to know which one may be best for each condition. Once these questions are answered, the true effectiveness of dental probiotics can be measured.

For now, there seem to be few risks associated with using probiotics. Emerging studies also support their use for improving common oral conditions. However, each person should discuss their medical and dental history with a medical provider before deciding which product to use.

Alternatives of dental probiotics

Most oral conditions are related to specific bacteria. Good oral hygiene practices should be used, such as brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, using a water flosser, and tongue scraping. Harmful bacteria lurk in places around the oral cavity. Developing good oral hygiene habits can help reduce harmful bacteria buildup and lower the risk of developing dental issues.

A healthy diet can also support oral health. Eating a diet low in refined carbohydrates and increasing foods rich in vitamin D and calcium can play a role in protection against cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Our common American diet of ultra-processed, high-refined carbohydrate foods may also increase systemic disease risk, which can adversely affect oral health.

If you want to avoid dental probiotic products, here are some foods that contain natural probiotics.

Adding these foods can boost the beneficial bacteria, balance the microflora, and potentially contribute to the prevention of oral diseases in the mouth.

How to choose the best dental probiotics?

If you’re looking to support your dental health, you might want to check out our article on the best oral probiotics. Our Healthnews research team has reviewed and vetted each product on the list.

Orasana — best overall probiotic for oral health

• 5 billion CFUs
• Non-GMO
• Vegan

Try Orasana® now

We like that Orasana® Vegan Probiotic Mints pack a solid 5 billion CFU of Lactobacillus strains to support your oral health. Plus, they’re vegan, non-GMO, and free from table sugar and gluten.

You can also choose between mint and wildberry flavors, which is a nice touch. However, the lack of information on third-party testing for label accuracy might reduce your confidence in the product.

Luvbiotics — premium probiotic for oral microbiome balance

• Contains oral health-specific strain
• Money back guarantee
• Sugar-free

Try Luvbiotics now

We believe Luvbiotics Original Dental Lozenges offer a solid mix of ingredients, including Lactobacillus reuteri strain, xylitol, and Aloe vera to help keep your mouth healthy. They even come with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

However, the fact that some customers aren't too happy with the product and there's no clear information about third-party testing for label accuracy is worth considering.

SuperSmart — best probiotic for oral health with a specialized blend

• GMP-certified
• Third-party tested for label accuracy
• Non-GMO
• 4 billion CFUs

Try SuperSmart now

In our opinion, SuperSmart Oral Health Probiotics stands out for its GMP-certified and third-party-tested ingredients. Given these features, the product appears as a potentially reliable and budget-friendly choice.

The only downside is that it contains lactose, so it might not be the best pick if you're lactose intolerant.

Diving into the latest research of dental probiotics

Dental probiotics are a relatively new concept, so scientific data is still emerging. Some smaller studies suggest they may be beneficial in treating and preventing oral diseases like cavities, gingivitis, periodontal issues, and halitosis. Dental probiotics may help support oral health by restoring the natural balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. Since the mouth is the portal to the whole body, using beneficial bacteria may also help support overall health.

Dental probiotics may help address many common dental issues caused by bacteria in the mouth. As more research becomes available, we may better understand all the potential benefits and how they work to balance the normal microflora of the mouth. Combined with a healthy diet, a good oral care routine, and your dentist's advice, dental probiotics may help keep your mouth healthy.

We would love to hear from you. Share your questions or experiences with dental probiotics in the comment section below.