Probiotic supplement effects on your mouth - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

The use of antibiotics to treat bacteria infections changes the types and quantities of bacteria in our mouth and digestive system and causes the development of drug resistant bacteria. These unwanted outcomes of the antibiotic treatment have led to the development of alternative antimicrobial approaches where live microorganisms, “good bacteria” are administered to ward off the damages caused by the bacterial composition in the mouth and offer health benefits to the host. The key mechanism by which the probioitic supplements act is by competing with the other bacteria that can cause disease.

The major bacteria groups given in probioitic preparations are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Research conducted to establish if bacteria ingested managed to establish themselves in the mouth found that when children are given probiotics, their risk of decay is reduced. This is of importance for children undergoing orthodontic treatment or those at high risk of cavities.For adults who have a high risk for candida infection, the ingestion of probiotics was beneficial as well in reducing the risk of yeast infections by 75%.

If you would like to know more about the effects that probiotic treatment can have on your child or yourself, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.