“Certain probiotics strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, can inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.” Fig. 3: Patient with gingivitus and swollen gingival tissues during orthodontic treatment. concern to oral health. The probi-otic Lactobacillus reuteri can help to destroy the microbes that cause gingivitis bringing a healthier balance to your patient’s oral microbiome. 6 Orthodontic treat-ment can sometimes lead to gum irritation and inflammation. Oral probiotics promote a balanced oral microbiome this helps reduce inflammation, support gum health, and improve overall oral comfort during orthodontic treat-ment. A 2007 study suggests that taking supplements with the bacte-ria Lactobacillus brevis can help decrease inflammation. 7 Prevent Decay Certain probiotics strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobac-terium species, can inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. They do this by competing for resources and producing acids that make the oral environment less favorable for harmful bacteria. Plaque buildup on your patient’s teeth is the most common cause of cavities. Sometimes brushing and flossing is not enough to get rid of plaque as it accumulates around bands brackets and wires. An oral probiotic with Streptococcus A12 in it was shown in a 2016 study that it could help reduce plaque buildup. 8 Fig. 4: After using Probiora Oral Probiotics for three months, the patient’s plaque level and gingivitis has also greatly improved. Protect From Other Diseases Research has shown that what goes on in the oral microbiome can have an effect on the rest of the body and the risk of developing life-threating illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Keeping a healthy oral microbiome may help protect your patient from disease. It’s important to note that all probiotics are not the same and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific strains and their concen-trations. So, choose the right strains. Look for probiotic products specifi-cally formulated for oral health. These products contain the strains Streptococcus oralis KJ3, Streptococ-cus uberis KJ2,and Streptococcus rattus JH145,all important strains for both tooth and gum health. Many of these beneficial bacte-ria found in probiotics can repopu-late and replenish the oral micro-biome, replacing existing harmful bacteria. ProBiora Health has the needed bacterial strains to crowd out bacteria that cause caries and inhibit bacteria that cause gingivi-tis and periodontitis. (Figs. 1 and 2), (Figs. 3 and 4) ProBiora Health’s patented blend of microbial strains also whitens teeth by producing hydrogen perox-ide as a natural byproduct of their metabolism. Recent developments in daily oral care probiotics from Probiora Health have resulted in mints that easily dissolve on www.orthodontics.com Fall 2023 27
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Fall 2023: Page 27
