Oral probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits within the mouth and upper respiratory tract. These supplements introduce beneficial bacterial strains to help maintain a balanced oral microbiome, the complex community of over 700 types of bacteria in the mouth. By encouraging good bacteria and managing less desirable ones, oral probiotics contribute to overall oral hygiene and health. They are available in forms like chewable tablets, lozenges, or liquid drinks, designed for direct contact with oral surfaces.
How Oral Probiotics Function
Oral probiotics function through several biological mechanisms. One mechanism involves competitive inhibition, where beneficial bacteria compete with harmful bacteria for adhesion sites on oral tissues and for nutrients. By occupying these spaces and consuming resources, probiotics prevent pathogenic bacteria from establishing and multiplying.
Another way oral probiotics work is by producing antimicrobial compounds. Some probiotic strains release substances like bacteriocins or hydrogen peroxide, which directly inhibit harmful bacteria. These compounds create an unfavorable environment for pathogens. Oral probiotics can also modulate the local immune response within the mouth and throat. They interact with the host’s immune cells, potentially reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural defenses against infections.
Specific Health Applications
Oral probiotics address a range of oral and upper respiratory health concerns. In oral health, they help reduce plaque formation by inhibiting bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a common contributor to tooth decay. These beneficial bacteria also support tooth enamel by neutralizing acids and promoting remineralization. Some strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus brevis, possess anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate gingivitis symptoms.
Oral probiotics are also used to combat bad breath (halitosis), often caused by an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. By restoring a proper balance, they lower levels of foul-smelling sulfur compounds. Beyond oral benefits, certain probiotic strains support upper respiratory tract health. They may help reduce the incidence and duration of acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold or strep throat, by influencing immune function and competing with pathogens.
Selecting and Taking Oral Probiotics
When selecting an oral probiotic, several factors ensure effectiveness. Look for products that specify the exact bacterial strains, as different strains offer different benefits. For instance, Streptococcus salivarius strains like K12 and M18 are known for oral health benefits, including reducing bad breath. The Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count indicates the number of live microorganisms per dose. While a higher CFU count can be beneficial, a range of 1 billion to 10 billion CFUs per serving is effective for oral health.
Oral probiotics are found in lozenges or chewable tablets, designed to dissolve in the mouth for direct contact and colonization. For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended to take them after your regular oral hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing, ideally before bedtime. This timing allows beneficial bacteria to colonize the oral cavity without disturbance from food or drink. If taken during the day, avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward.
Oral Versus Gut Probiotics
Oral probiotics are distinct from gut probiotics due to their targeted action and specific bacterial strains. While both are live microorganisms providing health benefits, they are formulated to colonize different body parts. Gut probiotics, containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, support the digestive system and are ingested in capsules or tablets that reach the intestines.
In contrast, oral probiotics contain strains adapted to the unique environment of the mouth and upper respiratory tract. These strains, such as Streptococcus salivarius and certain Lactobacillus species, are delivered in lozenges or chewables for direct contact with oral surfaces. This distinction is important because a probiotic’s effectiveness depends on its specific strains and their ability to thrive in their intended environment. Therefore, using an oral probiotic for oral health concerns is more targeted than relying on a general gut probiotic.