Most of us know that probiotics – the bacteria and yeasts that are good for you – benefit our digestive tract, but what other beneficial effects do they have?

While the Food and Drug Administration has not officially placed its stamp of approval on the use of probiotics to promote oral health, several recent studies indicate that these good bacteria and yeasts can be good for our teeth and gums.

The Benefits of Probiotics For Your Oral Health

While probiotics work by being ingested in targeting your gut health, they can also affect your oral hygiene and health. Unlike harmful bacteria that can lead to illnesses, infection, and decay, probiotics help keep your gut balanced with healthy bacteria.

Listed below are a few ways in which probiotics might promote better oral hygiene and oral health.

Prevention of plaque and tooth decay

Our mouths are loaded with bacteria, both good and bad. Streptococcus mutans, a certain type of bad bacteria, turns sugar into lactic acid in the mouth and creates an acidic environment contributing to the development of plaque and tooth decay.

On the other hand, a common probiotic in the digestive system, Bifidobacterium, has been found to prevent tooth decay by reducing the number of Strep bacteria in the mouth. A good balance between these two types of bacteria could slow down or prevent decay that can lead to a filling, tooth repair, or root canal.

Managing the symptoms of gingivitis and gum inflammation

Gingivitis is a common gum (periodontal) disease known for symptoms such as sensitive teeth and sore, swollen, and bleeding gums. A recent study of individuals with gum disease found that those receiving a supplement containing Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic displayed few symptoms and had less plaque than those participants in the study who were given a placebo. A similar study found that participants taking supplements containing the bacteria Lactobacillus brevis had a marked decrease in oral inflammation.

Prevention of halitosis

Bad breath is often caused by an imbalance of harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut. Several studies seem to indicate that daily doses of Lactobacillus brevis substantially reduced the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Possible prevention of oral cancer

A study conducted in 2013 found that a bacteria known as Lactobacillus salivarius reduced oral cancer in rats, but additional research needs to be done to see if it would be equally effective in humans. It’s important to note that while ingestive probiotics is beneficial, it shouldn’t be your only source of protection and prevention against disease. You should also maintain a balanced diet, brush your teeth at least twice daily and visit a dental professional for routine checkups.

Sources of Probiotics

Probiotics occur naturally in a number of foods, including yogurt, cultured cottage cheese, buttermilk, kefir, and tempeh. They’re also found in fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. You can also consume prebiotics that enhance the absorption of probiotics in your gut. Common prebiotics include onions, artichokes, garlic, and raw asparagus and leeks.

If you think you’re not getting enough probiotics through your diet, numerous supplements are available in the form of pills, capsules, and powders. Before taking any supplements, however, be sure to consult with your primary care physician.

Stephens Dentistry – Your Evanston Dental Clinic

To sum up, probiotics can play a role in your dental health, but you also need daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings and checkups. At Stephens Dentistry we are dedicated to helping you maintain your oral health with our variety of services that include preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care.

Don’t neglect your dental health. Contact Stephens Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

We all know how important flossing is for preventing gum disease, but we don’t always do it as much as we should. It can be seen as a mundane, boring, or even painful task. However, if you floss the right way with the right methods, it can actually be enjoyable as opposed to a chore! Follow these tips and tricks for having a more enjoyable flossing experience each night and morning.

Choose the Right Type of Floss

Did you know that there are many different types of floss? Picking the right one for you can make flossing much more enjoyable. Waxed floss is most commonly used, and it’s made of nylon material. The wax allows the floss to be stronger, which means it most likely won’t break or shred apart. It also helps the floss glide between the teeth more smoothly. However, since the wax makes the floss thicker, it’s not ideal for those with little to no gaps in their teeth.

Unwaxed floss has no wax or chemicals, which also means it has no artificial flavoring. It’s better for those who have smaller gaps in their teeth, since unwaxed floss is much thinner. However, since it is thinner, it’s more prone to shredding apart while flossing.

PTFE floss is made of a material known as polytetrafluorethylene, which is a strong material that won’t shred or break while you use it. Since it’s smooth, it’s easy to use in between tight gaps or crowded teeth.

Super floss is a special type of floss that is best for individuals with bridges, braces, or wide gaps in their teeth. Super floss comes in different types: regular, spongy floss, and with a stiff end threader. The threader allows you to use the floss under and over bridges, brackets, and other dental fixtures.

Use Enough Floss

Don’t skimp out on the amount of floss you use. If you use a piece that’s too short, not only will flossing not be as effective, but it will keep slipping out of your fingers, which will make for a much more frustrating process. You should use about 12-18 inches of floss. Wrap the dental floss around the middle finger of each hand with a couple of inches in between your hands.

This method will allow you to use a clean section of floss between every tooth so you’re not reusing the same piece. Having it tightly wound around your fingers (but not too tight!) will give you more control and precision. This will allow you to target visual food particles and remove more plaque along the gum line.

Be Gentle

Flossing harder doesn’t mean you’re flossing more effectively – in fact, if you floss too aggressively, you can damage your gums. Your gums are extremely sensitive, so if you floss too hard and hurt them, you may associate flossing with pain. However, it should never be painful and you should be as gentle as you can be while still targeting plaque.

Try a Water Flosser

If you can’t seem to stick to a consistent flossing routine, try using a waterpik (also known as a water flosser) to switch it up. This is an appliance that shoots out a highly pressurized stream of water to clean the gums and teeth of plaque and buildup. It also gets rid of any food stuck in between the teeth. Waterpiks tend to not remove as much plaque as regular floss, so try a combination of both.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

To make sure you’re flossing effectively and your gums are healthy, schedule your appointment with Stephens Dentistry today. If you’re wondering, “are dentists supposed to floss your teeth?” The answer is yes they are! They will thoroughly floss your teeth while showing you the appropriate method.

The team at Stephens Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring you have all the tools you need for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime! Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

Happy New Year! At Stephens Dentistry, we’ve been hearing about our patients’ New Year’s Resolutions for some time now. As you might expect, many people are including better exercise routines as part of their goals for 2021. While getting in better shape can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s physical health, there are some details to consider when it comes to the effect on your teeth.

Teeth Clenching and Grinding

Those engaging in intense physical activity may have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth through the exercise. This is especially common in weightlifters, who may be unconsciously clenching as they exert energy. Clenching and grinding can lead to moderate to severe dental damage over time, including chips and fractures. Depending on your sport, you may benefit from a specialized oral appliance which separates the upper and lower teeth.

One of the first signs of damage is dental pain. If you are experiencing dental pain in Evanston, make an appointment with our dentist for a thorough examination.

Accidents on the Field or Court

Mouthguards are especially important for athletes who engage in team sports. Rough play on the field or court can result in teeth being fractured, knocked out, or otherwise damaged. There are many different types of mouthguards, from custom-made mouthguards to ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards which can be purchased at a sporting goods store. Make sure that your mouthguard fits comfortably so that it won’t become a distraction during play.

Cavity Formation

Research has shown a correlation between excessive exercise and the development of cavities. One possible reason for this is that your saliva’s chemical composition changes while you exercise. While you can’t control this, drinking water may help rinse your teeth clear of harmful chemicals. Excessive mouth breathing while working out can also lead to dry mouth, which may increase your risk of cavities.

Many athletes turn to sugary sports drinks, protein shakes, and power bars to replenish their energy reserves during or after exercise. Be careful to check the nutrition labels on these items and rinse with water or brush your teeth after enjoying them. Leaving food debris or sugar behind in your mouth can also contribute to tooth decay.

The Bottom Line

While exercising more might have some potential drawbacks when it comes to your oral health, it’s possible to take precautions to protect your smile. Our dental team is here to help make sure your teeth are looking and feeling their best. If you are due for a checkup or are experiencing any kind of dental pain in Evanston, please reach out today to make an appointment.

With the holiday season in full swing, most people are looking forward to celebrating with their favorite sweets, traditions, and people—even if things look a little different this year! Our family dentists in Evanston have tips to help keep your teeth in good shape over the holidays.

Tip #1: Don’t use your teeth to open packages

No matter how excited you are about opening presents, it’s never a good idea to use your teeth as a tool. Many people experience chips, fractures, or more significant dental damage as a result of trying to open packages or bottles with their teeth. We recommend grabbing gift-opening supplies before getting started—it could save you a trip to the dentist over the holidays!

Tip #2: Avoid chewy, sticky snacks

As experienced dentists, we know that it’s not realistic to ask our patients to avoid candy altogether, especially around the holidays. Instead, we suggest avoiding snacks with certain textures that are particularly rough on teeth, such as taffy, caramel, hard candy, and peanut brittle. Snacks that are very sticky or tough to chew can loosen or dislodge dental work like fillings and crowns. Sticky candies can also linger on your teeth beyond a thorough brush, encouraging cavities.

Tip #3: Don’t bite your nails

Nail biting is a habit many people indulge in year-round, but for some increases around the holidays with anticipation and anxiety. Cutting back on this habit can help you avoid developing (or worsening) wear-and-tear on your teeth, jaw problems, or facial pain related to tooth grinding. When you feel the urge to chew on your nails, try to distract yourself! Some companies make bitter-tasting nail products to help curb this bad habit.

Tip #4: Keep up with brushing and flossing

Time flies when you’re having a good time. When you’re snuggled up on the couch with friends or family around the holidays, it may be tempting to let yourself drift off without taking care of your teeth. This is never a good idea—even for one night! We recommend taking care of your smile before settling in for a long movie to help avoid this problem.

Tip #5: Choose light-colored beverages

Red wine and pomegranate juice are two drinks that are often seen at holiday celebrations. Tasty as they may be, drinking them can contribute to stains on your teeth. If keeping your smile bright is important to you, opt for white wine, water, or another light-colored or clear beverage instead!

Visit Us for Restorative and Preventive Services

Stephens Dentistry is a family dentistry practice located in Evanston, IL. Our dentists provide a wide range of dental services, including cosmetic, restorative, and preventive services. We want to help you achieve your greatest dental health! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.