Lactobacillus Reuteri
This article post is about the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) and its potential benefits for oral health.
L. reuteri is a type of “good” bacteria that is normally found in the digestive tract and it produces lactic acid in the gut. It has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and support the immune system but it may also help with dental health.
One study looked at thirty patients with severe periodontal disease and showed that patients who took an oral probiotic lozenge with L. reuteri had significant improvements in their gum health after six weeks. The participants experienced a reduction in bleeding, gingival inflammation and clinical attachment loss.
In another study, researchers evaluated the effects of L. reuteri when applied topically to periodontal pockets. In this split-mouth interventional prospective study, a gel containing L. reuteri was applied directly to the periodontal pockets of some participants, while a placebo gel was applied to the others. After four weeks, the participants who had the L. reuteri treatment showed significant improvements in clinical parameters, such as pocket depth, bleeding on probing and attachment loss.
In addition, a recent study looked at the effects of drops containing two strains of probiotic L. reuteri on the number of Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that can cause dental caries.
The researchers found that the drops did not reduce the number of S. mutans, though they did reduce the levels of other bacteria present in the saliva.
Research reveals Lactobacillus reuteri may improve dental health.
It may minimise oral bacteria and gum irritation. These findings require further study.
Before taking Lactobacillus reuteri supplements, consult your doctor. Probiotics should never substitute medical treatment.
A Lactobacillus Reuteri probiotic was tested in youngsters with cow’s milk allergy (CMA). The probiotic reduced CMA symptoms, including gastrointestinal and skin symptoms, in children after two months. Wheezing, coughing, and ear infections also decreased.
Another mouse study examined obesity and L. Reuteri. Probiotic-treated mice showed lower body weight and inflammation than control mice.
These research imply L. Reuteri may help allergies and obesity. Human studies are needed to corroborate these conclusions.
L. reuteri affects dental health in several studies.
Thirty individuals with severe periodontal disease who received an oral probiotic lozenge with L. reuteri showed significant gum health improvements after six weeks. Clinical attachment loss, gingival irritation, and bleeding decreased.
In another study, researchers evaluated the effects of L. reuteri when applied topically to periodontal pockets. In this split-mouth interventional prospective study, a gel containing L. Reuteri was applied directly to the periodontal pockets of some participants while a placebo gel was applied to the others. After four weeks, the participants who had the L. Reuteri treatment showed significant improvements in clinical parameters, such as pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and attachment loss.
In addition, a recent study looked at the effects of drops containing two strains of probiotic L. Reuteri on the number of Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that can cause dental caries. The researchers found that the drops did not reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans, though they did reduce the levels of other bacteria present in the saliva.
The research suggests that L. reuteri may be beneficial for oral health.
It may help reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of the gums as well as reduce the levels of some types of bacteria in the mouth. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
