Did you know that not all bacteria are bad for you? In fact, your body is full of beneficial bacteria that help your immune system function properly and keep your digestive system healthy. Many of these same helpful bacteria are also common in many foods like yogurt, kombucha, miso, pickles and kimchi – where they’re known as probiotics.  

These probiotics, when eaten, further help regulate your gut by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in your stomach lining that aid digestion. This is especially helpful for people with chronic gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and have even been linked to improved mental health in some studies.  

“But what does this have to do with bad breath?” you may be wondering. Well, some research has suggested a link between taking certain probiotics and a number of oral health benefits, including the reduction of dental plaque, prevention of the growth of gum disease-causing bacteria and helping to decrease cavities by neutralizing the tooth-damaging acids caused by other, more harmful oral bacteria.  

Another area where oral probiotics show promise is in the managing of chronic halitosis, also known as bad breath. Halitosis is typically the result of certain bacteria producing sulfur compounds in your mouth and can be worsened by a number for factors, like dry mouth, poor oral hygiene or smoking. There is some indication that taking regular probiotics may help in your comprehensive oral routine to combat bad breath. It does this by inhibiting the production of sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath. But, the best defense against halitosis is to drink lots of water, brush and clean between your teeth twice a day and get regular dental cleanings.  

However, the data on the benefits of probiotics on your mouth and teeth – while encouraging – is still relatively new and requires more time and research to form a firm conclusion. In the meantime, continue to stick with the tried and true for your confident smile: make sure to visit your dentist every six months, whether you take probiotics or not. Booking your next appointment is easy, just use the orange “Book Online” button to schedule yourself in!