By Dr. Lee Ann Brady
Are you running out of answers for a patients oral
health problems? Probiotics might be the solution for you!
If you have patient who is a model of perfect dental hygiene and also wholly compliant
with your health recommendations, but is still suffering from poor oral health, then you
may need to look to probiotics for the solution.
We must keep in mind the importance of ensuring a patient’s oral health as a
measure of cosmetic case protection. The success of cases and the confidence of
your patients can make a huge difference with word of mouth marketing and patient retention. Mouthwash can do more harm than good because it removes both the good and the bacteria. A patient who brushes, flosses, and uses mouthwash consistently may be inadvertently making their situation worse. Improving the oral health of your patients makes good business sense in the short and long run.
When Can Probiotics Be Useful?
There are many, many people could benefit from adding bacteria rather than subtracting it. But, of course, it must be the friendly kind!
There are times, we have deep suspicions that our patients are misleading us or not being entirely truthful about their habits. They say they haven’t touched a drop of sugar in weeks, yet their mouth is essentially a breeding ground for caries. What’s the deal?
Let’s stop believing they’re lying, but consider the possibility that they have an overabundance of bad bacteria. It’s the streptococcus bacteria that causes cavities in the presence of sugar.
We know similarly, the patient who flosses and brushes like a fiend (we all have some of these patients) could have too much of certain harmful bacterias waging war in their mouth. Their plaque indices are down yet their periodontal health is in the drain because of it. Probiotics are a conservative approach to resolving this frustrating problem.
What are probiotics exactly? They are live microorganisms that have been said to create health benefits in everything from decreased hypertension to overall GI health. I’ve found a good formulation to be the EvoraPlus® System of oral care products. It has a blend of beneficial bacteria that are found in naturally healthy human mouths.
One thing is for certain, patients who choose extensive treatments such as veneers or implants want to protect their investment. Probiotic therapy is another defensive practice they can implement easily into their healthcare regimen.
If you found this to be a helpful recommendation for your practice or just have questions, comments or concerns PLEASE join the conversation in the comments!