When healthy, the oral microbiome supports and protects the delicate mucous membranes aswell as the surface of the teeth themselves.
But in spite of the best intentions to perform daily brushing and flossing, many people still end up with periodontal disease, often referred to as “gum disease”. The result can be deterioration of the gum and tooth loss. Additionally inadequate oral hygiene, as well as poor diet and lifestyle factors, drugs, and disease, can disrupt this delicate microbiome balance.
When the oral microbiome becomes unbalanced it results in a weakened immune system of the oral cavity. This opens the door to gum disease caused by excessive growth of pathogenic oral bacteria. Gum disease further weakens our overall immune system.
Periodontal disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth. It can spread pathogens throughout the body, resulting in more serious diseases. Recent research has found htat the mouth is a potential reservoir for bacteria that can promote intestinal disease. New science is showing that periodontal disease has far-reaching consequences that extend into most body systems, largely the result of inflammatory changes and other signaling pathways disruptions throughout the body. Gum disease is now associated with disorders of the brain, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, bone, and blood vessels – any of which may promote aging and shorten lifespan.
To prevent these far-reaching effects, scientists conducted extensive research on probiotics, eventually identifying two strains of bacteria that can halt this process on two fronts:
- Streptococcus salivarius M18, which kills harmful oral bacteria and goes on to help rebalance the oral microbiome
- Lactobacillus plantarum L-137, which boosts oral immune function and promotes healing
These two probiotics when taken as daily lozenge, can work together to protect oral health.
Rebalancing the oral microbiome can reduce bacteria-laden plaque, resulting in significant reductions in whole-body inflammation. This means that improving our tooth and gum health is vital not just for those oral structures, but also for the preservation of our health in practically all body systems.
