Probiotic Defense Against Gum Disease

In a study of 794 adults, 82% of those who reported gingival bleeding believed it to be a harmless condition.¹

Bleeding gums, however, are a common sign of periodontal disease, which can damage the tissues that anchor teeth in place.^2,3

Even more worrisome, periodontal infections may increase the risk of non-oral conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.⁴

A key driver of periodontal disease is an imbalance of microbes in the mouth that promote harmful bacteria and the buildup of dental plaque.^2,4

Plaque can result in gaps between the teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets, which can become infected and inflamed.²

Scientists have identified a specific probiotic strain that helps keep problematic oral bacteria in check. It has been clinically shown to reduce gum bleeding and inflammation by 31% when taken daily.^5,6

Researchers have also developed a heat-treated bacteria, a postbiotic, that in a clinical trial reduced periodontal pocket depth 64% better than the placebo group.⁷

Taking this probiotic and postbiotic daily in addition to brushing and flossing may provide a strong defense against periodontal disease.

Microbiome of the Mouth

The link between periodontal disease and other conditions may be driven by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and the spread of harmful bacteria from the mouth to other parts of the body.²

The oral microbiome includes beneficial bacteria like Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) as well as harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans).¹⁶

S. mutans is one of the top promoters of tooth decay. This bacteria thrives in an acidic (low pH) oral environment.¹⁶

In the mouth, S. mutans ferments sugars from food and produces acid that can erode tooth enamel. This promotes the buildup of plaque on teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.¹⁶

Improving the Oral Ecosystem

The M18 strain of S. salivarius can provide a robust defense against S. mutans.

In a clinical trial involving 69 young adults aged 18–40 at high risk for tooth decay, 22 participants took a nightly lozenge containing S. salivarius M18 (2.5 billion CFU) after brushing.

After 30 days, the M18 group showed better oral health outcomes compared to those following standard oral care practices without the M18 probiotic.¹⁷

The M18 probiotic group experienced a 75% decrease in salivary levels of harmful S. mutans. In the control group, S. mutans decreased by only 11%.

The M18 probiotic group also had a 5.2% increase in salivary pH, meaning it was less acidic and better for oral health, while the control group’s saliva became slightly more acidic.¹⁷

Increased acidity can lead to an increase in dental problems because when the pH of the oral cavity becomes more acidic, S. mutans can become more competitive and damaging.^16,18

Less Dental Plaque, Healthier Gums

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 61 participants with gingivitis aged between 18 to 25 years were randomized to receive a daily Streptococcus salivarius  M18 (500 million CFU) lozenge or a placebo nightly after brushing, for four weeks. The probiotic improved gum health in young adults with gingivitis.⁵

Participants showed 31% reduced gingival inflammation index, and mild but significant improvement in dental plaque index compared to placebo after four weeks. Continued use of S. salivarius M18 might be needed to maintain results.

In another trial, a three-month supplementation with Streptococcus salivarius M18 has been shown to reduce gingival bleeding and dental plaque in young adults with gingivitis.⁶

In this longer randomized controlled trial, 62 individuals with gingivitis were randomized to receive S. salivarius M18 (500 million CFU) or a placebo every evening for three months followed by a four-week washout period.

The daily use led to significant improvements in gum health compared to placebo. The probiotic group had a 31% placebo-adjusted reduction in gum bleeding and a 7% reduction in dental plaque buildup.⁶

The best results for gum health and dental plaque control likely come from long-term use of the probiotic.

Postbiotic Improves Periodontal Pockets

As part of a routine checkup, dental staff may probe a person’s gums to check periodontal pockets. A pocket depth of 4 mm or more suggests periodontal disease.¹⁹

Scientists explored living oral probiotics and heat-treated postbiotics. Postbiotics include components of inactivated beneficial microbes.²⁰

For a randomized controlled trial, researchers recruited 39 older adults with chronic periodontitis, including one or more periodontal pockets measuring at least 4 mm.⁷

Subjects took 50 mg of heat-treated L. plantarum L-137 (a postbiotic) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Both groups also underwent standard periodontal therapy.

The postbiotic group showed a 64% greater reduction in pocket depth than the placebo group.⁷

Previous studies have shown that heat-treated L. plantarum L-137 stimulates the action of IL-12, a cytokine (signaling molecule) that supports healthy immune function. The researchers suggest that this immune modulation may help promote oral health.^7,21

Together, S. salivarius M18 and heat-treated L. plantarum L-137 may offer a balanced combination for optimizing periodontal health.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) starts with gingivitis, a condition characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily.^2,8

This can progress to periodontitis, severe gum disease that includes deepening periodontal pockets. These pockets trap infection-causing bacteria and plaque between the teeth and gums.^2,8

The body’s immune response to this microbial assault leads to inflammation and damage to the teeth’s structural support, potentially resulting in tooth removal.^8,9

Damage caused by periodontal disease isn’t necessarily confined to the teeth. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia are just a few of the non-oral conditions associated with periodontal disease.^4,10-15

Summary

A balanced oral microbiome promotes periodontal health.

In clinical trials, the probiotic S. salivarius M18 inhibited the growth of harmful oral bacteria, reduced gum inflammation and bleeding, and helped prevent dental plaque buildup.

A heat-treated postbiotic, L. plantarum L-137, was clinically shown to reduce periodontal pockets.

Long-term use of this oral probiotic-postbiotic combination can help keep teeth and gums healthy, with benefits for overall health. ⁿ

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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