Month: October 2023

In the past few years, the science of probiotics has gained immense recognition and focus, and both patients and doctors have identified a hoard of health benefits provided by these beneficial bacteria. Their popularity is evident from the rise in their global sales to more than forty billion.

You can take these bacteria in oral form or also add foods to your diet which are high in probiotics, such as yogurt. Probiotics can aid in managing various symptoms and conditions, and there are different strains to address specific issues. They have managed to solve many problems which were earlier deemed unsolvable, and patients thought they just had to live with these ailments without any resolutions.

We all have heard a lot about probiotics for our gut and their benefits, but have you heard about probiotics for dental health? Yes, these good bacteria can also fix a range of oral issues ranging from foul mouth odor to gingivitis, tooth decay, and many other problems associated with our mouth.

If you are interested in learning more about dental probiotics, what they can do, and how long they take to show effect, then this article is for you.

What are Probiotics?

We take probiotics to restore healthy bacteria in our bodies. These beneficial bacteria exist in the form of live microorganisms, which are termed “friendly bacteria”, as they improve our overall health, including dental.

• Dental probiotics are supplements containing healthy yeast and microorganisms that are safe for us to consume.
• These bacteria are present in our bodies naturally.
• The supplements promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms, which can eliminate harmful bacteria from our mouths that may cause dental issues.
• These good bacteria also reduce the pH level in our mouth, making it more alkaline, which is not conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria. Our mouths, just like our digestive system and stomach, have their own microbes (community of microorganisms and bacteria), which can hamper our dental health.
• If the harmful bacteria or yeast in our mouths is abundant, it can create an imbalance in our system. By eating foods rich in probiotics or oral supplements having friendly and healthful bacteria, our mouth can fight off the bad ones.

Difference Between Oral and Gut Probiotics

You can find lots of ways to promote the balance of good bacteria in your body, but the way you absorb these supplements and where you need them impacts the delivery method. 

• If your GI (gastrointestinal) tract has an imbalance of bacteria, you can address it by eating foods like sourdough bread or yogurt, which have live bacterial cultures in them. 
• When your oral flora has an imbalance, you need specific oral probiotic supplements to rectify the issue and bring back bacterial balance in your mouth.
• The most significant difference between gut and oral probiotics are delivery methods and the type of organisms in each of them.
  • The gut needs bacterial strains that are native to our stomach. They are typically contained in capsules to resist the acidic pH of your digestive system as well as the powerful gastric juices. For gut bacteria supplements, survival is essential. That is why it is vital that you choose a high-quality supplement having a high number of colony-forming units and numerous and diverse strains.
  • Oral supplements have strains that are specific to the oral microbiome. It is possible to have some overlap in strains of gut and oral probiotics.

Benefits of Oral Probiotics

Consuming supplements having healthy bacteria can help us in combating many oral problems, as outlined below:

• Cavities – Plaque is a cluster of bacteria that accumulates in our mouth and feeds on sugar molecules, excreting acids that can break our enamel. This gives rise to cavities. But with supplements, you can reverse some cavities. Some of the best bacterial strains to combat cavities are L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. reuteri, and L. rhamnosus.
• Bad breath – A lot of malodors (also called halitosis) in our mouth can be attributed to oral bacteria. Supplements can target these harmful bacteria and eradicate them and the bad breath associated with these harmful bacteria. These supplements aid in reducing the compounds that cause foul mouth odor. Bacteria that are beneficial for halitosis are S. salivarius K12, L. salivarius, L. reuteri, L. casei, etc.
• Gingivitis and periodontitis – Gum disease or periodontitis is a chronic inflammation that is also associated with many health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. You can increase your intake of good bacteria through supplements which have proven to improve symptoms of gum disease. The best bacterial strains to fight periodontitis are L. reuteri and L. brevis.
• Oral thrush or Candidiasis – Oral thrush is a fungal infection where C. albicans or candida fungus overgrowth on your tongue, forming white spots. This results in dry mouth, burning sensation, or redness. A dysbiosis in the oral microbiome is the main reason behind oral thrush—supplements containing Lactobacillus spp. Or S. salivarius K12 helps with this condition.

How Long Before Probiotics Start Working?

The short answer is it depends on the severity of the imbalance of bacteria in your oral region. In some cases, it could start working in as little as one week.

• Most studies for oral supplements that contain friendly bacteria are of two to four weeks duration.
• Studies that track the development of cavities are longer, around nine to twelve months.
• In general, you must consider the baseline treatment period to be two to three months for any dental probiotic.
• You must take your supplements as directed to see results in the desired time frame. It could mean taking them two to four times a day (depending on the blend that you are using.)
• The best oral supplements come in the form of chewable lozenges or tablets as they deliver beneficial bacteria directly to your mouth’s surface, where bacteria form biofilms.
• It would help if you also consumed lots of prebiotics for the good bacteria to thrive. Prebiotic foods include onions, garlic, artichokes, raw dandelion greens, unripe bananas, leeks, asparagus, etc.

Just like our digestive system, our mouths also hoard bacteria which can cause a plethora of issues, such as bad breath, tooth decay, etc. An excellent dental probiotic helps fight many of these problems by balancing our flora with good bacteria. 

The amount of time these supplements take to show results varies from case to case and can vary from a few days to months. You must consider a minimum of one month for the probiotics to deliver results.

“Bad teeth” encompass a variety of dental issues, from cavities and gum disease to misalignment and hereditary dental conditions. Many wonder if such problems can be inherited. While genetics can influence your dental health, this article will explore the complex relationship between genetics and oral health.

Understanding Hereditary Dental Problems

Genetics can impact oral health across generations. From genetic predispositions increasing gum disease risk to inherited enamel defects making teeth more cavity-prone, genetics play a role. Conditions like malocclusion (misaligned jaws) or enamel and dentin formation disorders (amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta) can also be influenced by genetics. Awareness of family history and proactive dental care can mitigate the challenges posed by hereditary dental issues.

Exploring Genetic Influences on Oral Health

While genetics can predispose individuals to certain dental issues, they aren’t the only determining factor. Oral health is influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, and daily habits. Factors affecting oral health include:

• Diet: Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can increase cavity risk, regardless of genetic predispositions.
• Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups significantly impact oral health.
• Lifestyle Choices: Tobacco and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
• Habits: Teeth grinding or using teeth as tools can damage teeth and restorations, irrespective of genetics.
• Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate teeth grinding, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The Role of Genetics in Dental Health

Understanding your family’s dental history can provide insights into your oral health risks. For instance, if you’re genetically predisposed to cavities, you might be more proactive about your dental care from an early age. Similarly, if gum disease is common in your family, frequent dental visits and meticulous oral hygiene become even more crucial.

Genetic counseling can provide insights into one’s susceptibility to dental issues based on hereditary factors. This knowledge can guide preventive measures and early interventions. For instance, those with a genetic predisposition to cavities might benefit from fluoride treatments or dental sealants.

Conclusion

While genetics can influence one’s susceptibility to dental issues, it’s not the sole determinant. A combination of genetics, environmental factors, and personal habits shape one’s oral health. Regardless of genetic predispositions, maintaining good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups can ensure optimal dental health. Regular consultations with your family dentist can provide personalized care and address any concerns.

Salivary glands are situated in our mouths. They are exocrine organs whose primary role is to create, modify, and secrete saliva into our oral cavities. We have two types of these organs, namely major salivary glands that exist in three pairs (Parotid glands, Submandibular glands, and sublingual glands) and minor ones that line the mucosa of the respiratory tract, upper digestive tract, and the entire mouth.

Humans produce around 0.5 and 1.5 liters of saliva every day, which aid in swallowing, masticating, lubricating, and speaking. If we get an infection in the salivary glands, it could cause issues in many of our body’s functions. Salivary gland infection or sialadenitis is caused mainly by bacteria and affects the parotid part near the ears, the side of the face, or under the jaw.

Everything you need to know about sialadenitis, you will find it in this article.

Different Parts of Salivary Glands

We have three pairs of major salivary glands, as listed below:

• Parotid – These are the largest ones and are located on the cheeks, in front of the jaw, and over the ears. Parotitis happens when any of these two organs are inflamed.
• Submandibular – Located under the lower jaw and in both sides. They help saliva to move on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue.
• Sublingual – They are situated under the front area of the mouth towards the floor.

Symptoms of Sialadenitis

If you experience any of the following, you should get yourself checked for sialadenitis:

• There is an abnormal or foul taste in the mouth.
• You have a dry mouth.
• You are not able to easily open your mouth.
• You experience squeezing pain in the face, especially while eating.
• There is redness on the upper neck or side of the face.
• Your face has swollen in front of the ears, floor of the mouth, or below the jaw.
• You develop fever or chills.
• There is fluid drainage from the glands.
• You have pus in the mouth.

Who Is Susceptible to Sialadenitis?

Anyone can get this infection, but it is seen mainly in people above the age of fifty, especially those who have stones in their salivary organs.

• Infants can get this infection during the first few weeks of their life.
• People who are either sick or recovering from surgery can develop this condition.
• Those who have malnutrition, are dehydrated, or have immune system disorders (the body can not fight infections) are more prone to sialadenitis.
• Someone who had radiation therapy done can get this condition more easily.
• If you have Sjögren’s disease, you are more likely to have sialadenitis.
• Someone on certain medications can develop salivary glands infection, such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, barbiturates, antidepressants, and kidney failure.

Causes of Salivary Glands Infection

The most common causes of sialadenitis are:

• Bacterial or viral infections such as mumps can affect salivary organs. Some of the bacteria and viruses which can cause this disease are:
  • Coliform bacteria
  • HIV
  • Streptococci bacteria
  • Coxsackievirus
  • Influenza A virus
  • Parainfluenza types 1 and 2
  • Herpes virus
• If there is a blockage, kinks, tumors, or stones in the gland’s duct, it could result in sialadenitis.
• You are more prone to this condition if you do not consume adequate fluids.
• Poor oral hygiene could also cause sialadenitis.
• Autoimmune diseases could be a reason for this disease.
• Smoking is also linked to this condition.
• Chronic illness might give you sialadenitis.

Diagnosing Sialadenitis

If you have enlarged glands, your healthcare provider will run tests to confirm if you have sialadenitis.

• An MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound can reveal if there is an abscess or stones in the organ.
• If more than one gland is involved, your doctor might also recommend a blood test for mumps.
• The doctor might do a bacterial culture to find out which organisms are causing the problem.
• In some cases, the doctor might refer you to an ENT (otolaryngologist) to evaluate further. An ENT practitioner treats problems with the ear, nose, and throat.

Treating Sialadenitis

You can get rid of salivary glands infection with home remedies. Some of the common ways to get rid of this infection are:

• Home remedies – Drink lots of fluid; add lemon to your juice to increase saliva production. To relieve pain, you could give warm compresses or massage the area. Avoid foods that stick to the roof of the mouth, eat small bites and chew them properly, do not use commercial mouthwashes, and avoid acidic or alcoholic drinks.
• Antibiotics – For bacterial infections, your doctor would prescribe antibiotics.
• Drainage – If there is an abscess of pus buildup, the doctor would need to drain it out by massaging the affected area.
• Surgery – If there are kinks or the tubes are narrow and impact salivary flow, surgery might be necessitated.

Conclusion

Sialadenitis is not a serious condition and can be managed at home. In case there is pus or abscess, you might have to seek medical attention. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent this condition.

Your oral health denotes more than just the condition of your teeth and gums. It is a window to your overall well-being. The relationship of dental health with other conditions in your body is two-way. Your oral health can cause other medical conditions that can hamper your overall well-being.

Many of us might think of our body and oral health as two different battlegrounds, but you would be surprised how incredibly connected both of them are. Your mouth teems with bacteria which are mostly harmless. But your mouth is also the entry point to your respiratory and digestive systems. So the bacteria in your mouth can affect these systems too.

Here we will find out what medical conditions can be responsible for our dental well-being and also find out some of the diseases that oral health might induce in our bodies.

Medical Conditions that can Impact Our Oral Health

Below are some common health problems that can affect our oral condition. 

• Acid reflux – GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a very common disease in which acid from your stomach travels back to the esophagus. GERD does not just cause pain, but some of the stomach acids might move up to your mouth, which can erode your enamel, and your teeth (especially molars) are left more vulnerable to decay.
• Diabetes – Diabetes affects dental health in many ways. If diabetes is not well-controlled by medications, it can lead to periodontitis, an infection of gums and bones that results in tooth decay or loss. Diabetes also increases glucose levels in saliva, allowing bacteria in the mouth to thrive. This eventually means more plaque and tartar buildup and increased opportunities for cavity formation.
• Thyroid disorders – If you have hyper or hypothyroidism, you are more prone to oral health issues. Our thyroid gland produces a hormone called thyroxine which regulates our metabolism. If our thyroid is over or underactive, it influences our bodies’ response to bacteria, leading to fast-moving tooth decay and gum inflammation.
• Eating disorders – Eating disorders (such as bulimia or anorexia) don’t just wreak havoc on our bodies but also give rise to oral health problems. If your body does not get the nutrition it needs, you will not have enough minerals to support your teeth and gums. You can also develop sores and lesions in your mouth. When you constantly vomit due to bulimia, your teeth come in contact with corrosive and damaging stomach acids that can erode enamels and make it easy for cavities to develop, and decay spreads faster. Compulsive eating can also contribute to oral damage as more foods pass through our mouth, which means more chances of plaque and tartar accumulation.
• Hormonal changes – For women, hormonal changes are part of all stages of their lives. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal changes affect the chemistry in our mouths, altering our saliva’s pH level. 
  • Pregnancy – Women’s gums can swell and bleed easily during pregnancy, making brushing difficult and letting plaque stay in the mouth. Even vomiting due to morning sickness can cause stomach acids to erode enamel.
  • Menopause – The estrogen level drops rapidly during menopause which can cause dry mouth, which can extremely impact oral condition (explained below).
• Bruxism or teeth grinding- Teeth grinding is not an ailment as such, but clenching your jaw often can wear down teeth and cause cracks. With such structural damage to the enamel, your mouth opens doors to cavities-causing bacteria.
• Osteoporosis – This disease weakens our bones and has been linked with periodontal bone and tooth loss. Some of the medications people take for osteoporosis have a small risk of damaging the jaw bone.
• Xerostomia or dry mouth- Our saliva is our natural and greatest defense against cavities. While awake, our mouths constantly produce saliva, which neutralizes bacteria and moistens our mouths. During sleep, saliva production reduces, and we can immediately detect the effect of bacterial growth in our morning breath. If we cannot produce enough saliva, we lose the capacity to protect our teeth against bacteria. Xerostomia is, in general, a side effect of certain medications for chronic conditions. 
• HIV or AIDS- People who have AIDS also develop painful mucosal lesions.
• Alzheimer’s disease- As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, patients commonly develop oral issues that worsen with time.

If you suffer from any of these issues, you must speak to your dentist to understand if your oral health is impacted and the best way to prevent cavities. Your dentist can identify many preventive treatments to reduce the risk.