Probiotics play a large role in maintaining good health, with many types and strains each having their own specific benefits. These benefits can range from aiding nutrient absorption and relieving digestive issues, to preventing yeast overgrowth and boosting the immune system. However, a recent discovery reveals that probiotics may also help prevent cavities.
Researchers at the University of Florida Health have identified a new strain of bacteria in the mouth that may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a probiotic specifically designed to prevent cavities. The research team needed to find a bacterium that could effectively influence the pH balance mechanism in the mouth, as highly acidic conditions can cause tooth decay.
The Cavity-Fighting Probiotic: A12
One specific bacterium proved effective due to its ability to break down arginine, an amino acid that works with the naturally-occurring urea in the mouth to maintain a healthy pH level. This bacterium, known simply as “A12”, possesses a powerful ability to combat a particularly harmful kind of Streptococcal bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This malicious strain metabolizes sugar into lactic acid, increases acidity in the mouth, and leads to cavities. Researchers found that, in addition to neutralizing acid by breaking down arginine, A12 can also kill Streptococcus mutans.
Moreover, A12 can decrease the ability of Streptococcus mutans to form biofilms on teeth, otherwise known as dental plaque. Robert Burne, Ph.D., associate dean for research and chair of the UF College of Dentistry’s department of oral biology, likens this to a probiotic approach for promoting gut health. His idea is to develop a probiotic formulation from natural beneficial bacteria, such as A12. This probiotic would be “implanted” in a healthy child or adult at risk for developing cavities, with the intention of preventing a potential decline in oral health through the increased presence of beneficial organisms in the patient’s mouth.
While such a cavity-fighting probiotic is not yet commercially available, there are other ways to maintain good oral health. Consuming foods known to have an alkalinizing effect on the body can benefit not just your dental hygiene, but your overall health as well. These include:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are all packed with vitamins and minerals and have been shown to promote oral health.
- Raw Carrots: Eating raw carrots can clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize acids in the mouth.
- Cucumbers: Low in sugar and high in water content, cucumbers are an excellent snack for promoting oral health.
Dairy Products
- Cheese: Eating cheese increases your saliva production and raises the pH level in your mouth, helping to neutralize acids and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, yogurt can strengthen your oral microbiome by replacing harmful bacteria with good bacteria.
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds: High in calcium and low in sugar, almonds contribute to strong teeth and healthy gums.
- Chia seeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your oral health.
Staying mindful of these foods, and incorporating them into a balanced diet, will help improve your oral hygiene and overall health. With promising research surrounding the cavity-preventing effects of A12, we can look forward to the possibility of a probiotic specifically designed for dental health in the future.
