Proactive Dentistry With Probiotics Improves Oral Health

Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, MEd, on ProBiora Health’s ProBioraPro®

The landscape of dentistry is changing. What used to be a primarily reactive profession that was focused on solving oral care issues as they arose is rapidly transitioning into a proactive profession with approaches focused on preventing disease. One such proactive approach is the use of daily oral care probiotics, which contain live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts in the oral cavity, confer a health benefit to the host. Although many individuals are familiar with the concept of probiotics for gastrointestinal care, most are unfamiliar with oral care probiotics.

Landmark research in oral microbiology by Jeffrey D. Hillman, DMD, PhD, and colleagues led to the discovery that a small number of bacterial species within the oral cavity can cause disease when the ecological balance shifts because of stress, disease, or lifestyle. However, an equally small number of bacterial species play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the oral cavity, and when administered on a regular basis and at high concentrations, these bacteria can crowd out the harmful bacteria. In this manner, oral care probiotics repopulate and replenish the gums and teeth with beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy bacterial balance.

Based on Hillman's concept and more than 30 years of scientific research, ProBiora Health^® produced the first true oral care probiotic. Although other oral care probiotics are now commercially available, ProBiora Health's patented active ingredient, ProBiora3^®, is the only ingredient in marketed products that specifically targets both tooth and gum health. It is available in ProBioraPro^®, which is their professional strength product, and it is conceptually simple, containing a proprietary blend of three active microbial strains native to and isolated from the oral cavity. This patented blend of microbial strains includes Streptococcus oralis KJ3^®, Streptococcus uberis KJ2^®, and Streptococcus rattus JH145^®, which together, help to maintain gingival and dental health as well as whiten teeth. This is accomplished through two unique mechanisms of action. First, S. rattus JH145, which does not produce lactic acid, crowds out the acid-producing bacteria known to cause dental caries, and second, S. oralis KJ3 and S. uberis KJ2 produce hydrogen peroxide as a natural by-product of metabolism, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria known to cause gingivitis and periodontitis while also having a whitening effect on the teeth. Incorporating ProBioraPro into your patients' existing daily home hygiene practices is a proactive approach to dentistry that promotes a healthy oral bacterial balance.

Key Takeaways

1. ProBioraPro mints dissolve on the tongue, making them easy to use and incorporate into patients' daily routines

2. When used as directed, ProBioraPro repopulates and replenishes the oral microbiome with beneficial bacteria

3. ProBioraPro specifically targets gum and tooth health by crowding out bacteria that cause caries and inhibiting bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis while also whitening teeth

4. ProBiora3, the active ingredient in ProBioraPro, is backed by more than 30 years of scientific research that originated at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute

About the Author

Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, MEd
Diplomate
American Board of Periodontology

Associate Faculty Member
Pankey Institute

Chief Dental Officer
Biolase

Manufacturer Information
ProBiora Health, LLC
probiorahealth.com
800-983-6908