Massage

The Advantages of Massage

Tulsa Massage involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, using hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms or feet. It can reduce stress and pain, increase flexibility, and boost overall well-being.

Massage

Research shows that massage triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and mobilizing glucose. It increases the availability of serotonin, which regulates mood and sleep.

Research suggests that massage reduces stress by lowering your heart rate, decreasing your blood pressure, and releasing feel-good hormones. This relaxation response decreases the negative effects of stress, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, digestive problems, and depression. It also boosts the immune system and helps with recovery from injuries.

Massage increases positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which help the body relax. Aromatherapy is used during your massage to encourage this response with the use of different oils that promote relaxation and calm the mind. When a person is stressed they produce the hormone cortisol which increases tension and anxiety. This is because the hypothalamus in the brain signals the adrenal gland to release cortisol and the body responds to this with a “fight or flight” reaction. A massage has been shown to stimulate the pituitary gland and suppress the production of cortisol which then reduces the stress and anxiety levels in the body.

When a person has low levels of feel good hormones such as serotonin, they are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety and depression. This is because the brain cannot function properly when this hormone is too low. A massage has been shown to increase serotonin levels which is why it is so effective at reducing stress and anxiety.

A massage also has a positive effect on mood by increasing activity in the left frontal lobe of the brain, which controls emotions. The vagus nerve is also stimulated which leads to a reduction in cortisol and puts the body into a calmer state. This is why regular massage is so important for a healthy mind and body.

A study found that even a short neck and shoulder massage had an immediate effect on heart rate variability (HRV) which is linked to stress and anxiety levels. Researchers also found that the type of massage didn’t matter – both Swedish and deep tissue massages stimulated the parasympathetic nervous system to cause a stress-reducing effect. Regular massage can be a powerful tool to combat and prevent stress and anxiety in the body.

Increases Blood Flow

Every second of the day our circulatory system works hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of our body. This constant flow of fluids is vital for our health and well-being. Massage stimulates the flow of blood and lymph, enhancing circulation to benefit both muscles and the rest of the body. This improvement in circulation is due to both the physical manipulation of soft tissue and the chemicals released as a result of the relaxation response.

One of the first things you’ll notice during a good massage is that your skin will look flushed and warm. This is because the mechanical stimulation of rubbing (massage) causes capillaries in the skin to dilate, allowing more blood to pass through them. This is called superficial (cutaneous) hyperaemia.

The dilated capillaries also give your blood more space to move, increasing circulation. This is important because your muscles need the oxygen and nutrients delivered by blood, but they can only do that if there is enough space for them to reach the capillaries. This increase in circulation to the muscles helps them perform their jobs more efficiently, and it may also help with the removal of metabolic wastes, which can build up in muscles and cause pain and inflammation.

While many studies have shown that massage improves circulation, the precise reasons why are not always clear. Some research suggests that it increases venous return, which is the rate at which blood is drawn back towards the heart. Others suggest that it increases the movement of the erythrocytes, or red blood cells, through the capillaries. Yet other researchers have found that the increased permeability of the blood vessels caused by massage simply allows more blood to flow through them.

In addition to improving circulation, massage can also decrease blood pressure in some parts of the body. This can be helpful in people who suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon, a painful condition that reduces circulation to the fingers and toes. It can also be useful in reducing swelling after injury or surgery.

It is also worth noting that massage can increase the elasticity of arteries and veins, which in turn can also help to increase the flow of blood and lymph. However, it is important to remember that most studies addressing the effects of massage on blood circulation are not looking at actual changes in arterial or vascular diameter, and are relying on indirect measures of circulation such as skin temperature or the amount of erythrocytes in the blood.

Reduces Muscle Tension

Massage increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, as well as removing waste products. This helps to reduce muscle tension, which in turn decreases pain and fatigue. It also stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone that calms the nervous system. Serotonin also decreases the excitability of muscles, decreasing the tightness that can result from over-training or injury.

Tight muscle tissue can increase the amount of stress and tension a person feels because it restricts movement, often causing pain as a result. In addition, this tightness can lead to a lack of flexibility and reduced range of motion around the joints.

When muscles are tight, they shorten the muscle fibers, which limits movement. Massage increases the temperature of the soft tissue and helps to elongate the fibers, allowing for increased flexibility and range of motion. In addition, massage can decrease tension by increasing psychological relaxation and increasing tissue elasticity.

Aside from relieving muscle tension, massage can help with pain caused by myofascial tissue knots. These knots can be felt as lumps under the skin and are caused by overuse or injury. Massage helps to release these knots and restore the myofascial tissue to its normal function, preventing pain in other areas of the body as a result.

Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s healing process, but too much can damage cells and nerves. Studies have shown that massage can reduce the inflammation associated with muscle injuries by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. It can also increase the number of mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cell that produce ATP, the energy needed for cell function and repair.

The light pressure applied by massage also triggers the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the return to a resting state after emotional or physical stress. This effect can be seen in the reduction of heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels and the production of stress hormones. It can also be seen in an increase in the level of oxytocin, another hormone that promotes the relaxation of the body.

Increases Endorphins

Massage causes a release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that block pain signals in the brain. They also increase serotonin and dopamine levels which improve mood, sleep quality and concentration. As a result, a person feels euphoric, or high, after a good massage. A famed Victorian physician, Dr. Dowse, summed it up thusly: “The mind, which before the massage was in a perturbed, restless and vacillating state, becomes calm, quiet, peaceful and subdued after the massage.”

The morphine-like effects of these feel-good hormones reduce muscle spasms, soothes the nervous system, and can decrease anxiety and depression. They also increase blood flow, which helps the body eliminate toxins. In addition, these chemicals boost your immune system and can help you eat less and gain weight more easily.

Another result of the endorphins is that they inhibit the production of cortisol and other stress hormones, and increase parasympathetic activity, which promotes relaxation and sleepiness. The lowering of adrenaline and norepinephrine can also help ease the symptoms of some chronic health conditions.

It also increases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone.” This is released during skin-on-skin contact, such as when a mother cuddles her infant or when two people kiss. It is believed that this hormone is responsible for many of the positive emotional bonds we experience in life.

It also seems to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, which enhances motivation and inspires creativity and fine motor movement. Low levels of dopamine are linked to depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior and a host of other medical conditions. In addition, this hormone has been shown to have a balancing effect on the immune system and is crucial for normal metabolism. Studies have found that a single massage can raise the levels of dopamine by as much as 16%. However, most research is still in its early stages. Just a few small studies don’t prove anything. A whole body of research is needed to settle the question of whether or not massage does, in fact, increase blood endorphins. Even so, these results do show promise.

Dental Services

Putting on Dental Braces

During your first appointment, boca Dental and Braces will shave and lightly air-dry the surface of your teeth. A bonding agent is then applied, and the brackets (small metal squares) are glued to the front of each tooth.

Small rubber bands or elastic bands (in many fun colors) are placed around the back molars to help close spaces and apply pressure to the teeth.

dental braces

Brackets are small pieces of metal that attach to each tooth. They come in different shapes and sizes, with some having hooks for rubber bands or elastic ligatures. After the orthodontist places each bracket on your teeth, she will use blue light to harden the glue. You may feel slight discomfort during this time.

The orthodontist will then attach an archwire to the brackets. This will apply constant pressure to the teeth, helping them move in the desired direction. The wire also helps adjust the palate and cheek of the mouth as the teeth shift. The archwire is made from either stainless steel or nickel-titanium. It can be tightened or loosened at various times during treatment to affect the movement of the teeth.

Some patients may need additional support during treatment, such as spacers or coil springs. These add extra pressure to the teeth and help create space for the molars in the back of the mouth.

While you are wearing your braces, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. You should avoid sticky or hard foods, as they can get stuck in your braces and cause pain. Drinking plenty of water is also a good idea, as it will help rinse away food particles and debris.

Although you may initially experience some soreness, it is a sign that the teeth are beginning to realign themselves. By following the recommendations from your orthodontist, you can minimize this discomfort. If you feel pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and a regimen of salt water rinses can help ease the discomfort.

Initially, when the braces are first put on, a light wire will apply only weak forces. This allows the soft tissue between your teeth to become accustomed to gentle pressure.

This malleable tissue, called the periodontal ligament, can reshape itself with controlled force. This is what helps move the teeth into their correct positions. When the archwire is attached to the brackets, it exerts a controlled and consistent force on the teeth. This constant force slowly repositions the crooked teeth into their proper positions.

The arch wires are made from a variety of materials. Stainless steel is typically used because it is sturdy and durable but not too hard. Some alloys have been created specifically for orthodontic use. These metal alloys provide added strength, durability, and elasticity to the archwire.

Your orthodontist may switch between different types of archwires based on the stage of treatment you are in. They will also change the thickness of the wire. Thicker wires apply more force than thinner ones.

It is important to avoid foods that can stick to your brackets or pull on the archwire. Sticky foods like gum, taffy, and other chewy candies can pull on the wire and cause it to deform. Very hard or crunchy foods can also break parts of the archwire or pull on the brackets.

If a part of your archwire breaks or becomes protruding from one of the brackets, you should save it and contact us. We will schedule an appointment to replace the broken wire or re-tighten the loose bracket. A loose or broken archwire can irritate the inside of your mouth and cause mouth sores. Sometimes, the fractured wire can even cut into your cheek or lip. If this happens, rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the irritation.

Rubber bands are essential to the braces system, applying pressure to reposition the teeth and jaws. They come in various colors that help kids stay engaged with their orthodontic treatment. They also exert the right force on teeth and jaws to correct malocclusions. Not wearing them can prolong treatment, so they must be worn consistently.

They attach to the brackets using small metal hooks. They can be positioned differently on the teeth and broken into classes based on their function. Class 1 elastics are horizontal and close gaps between the upper and lower teeth. In contrast, class II elastics connect from the lower first molars to the upper canine, which helps correct overbites. Class III elastics reduce an underbite by shifting the upper and lower jaw backward to align the teeth, while front cross elastics hold the teeth together for midline alignment.

The elastics are made of latex, but we carry non-latex elastics for those with latex allergies. They are safe to eat with but should always be replaced immediately after eating as they will loosen and break if not removed right away. Your Peabody orthodontist will teach you how to place the elastics properly, and a plastic hook may be provided to help you identify them correctly if necessary.

It would be best not to let the elastics get too loose, as this can cause your bite to shift and create a new malocclusion. Your orthodontist will monitor the progress of your orthodontic treatment and will replace the elastics as necessary.

Elastics are rubber bands that help adjust bite misalignment. They can also close gaps between teeth, straighten crooked teeth, and help with tongue protrusion or an open bite (which causes your front teeth not to touch when chewing and can lead to a lisp). These elastics are usually placed around small hooks on the brackets. Your Peabody orthodontist will determine the direction, size, and force of the elastics needed to correct your specific problem.

When placing the elastics, standing in front of a mirror is helpful to make sure you can see what you’re doing. For those who have trouble pinching the elastics with their fingers, your orthodontist may provide a plastic hook to help you place them. You should wear the elastics at all times except when you are eating or brushing your teeth. The elastics must be worn consistently, as removing them too often can halt progress. You should always have fresh elastics on hand; if the old ones are stretched or broken, they will not apply the necessary amount of pressure to your teeth.

It is a good idea to bring a container with you to store your elastics in. This will keep them clean and prevent bacteria from building up. Carrying spare elastics with you is also recommended in case of breakage or loss. You should also avoid eating acidic foods when wearing elastics, which will cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Lastly, it would be best if you tried to change the elastics throughout the day, as this will ensure that they provide consistent pressure on your teeth and jaw.

Power chains are elastic chains that replace the ligatures (the rubber bands) used between brackets. They provide added pressure to close gaps between teeth, which can help correct malocclusions caused by childhood habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrashing. They are usually placed on the back molars, which are more pressure-resistant than the front teeth.

There is no one-size-fits-all setting for power chains, as different patients have unique issues to resolve. The spacing between links on the power chain varies, and different diameters of each loop’s center control which bracket it fits onto. There are three different types of power chains, and within each type, there are several more options. Typically, your orthodontist will recommend closed power chains, as these fix at every bracket (no space between the rings).

We often use separators to make room for a band between the back teeth, then place a power chain on top of them. This allows us to put more pressure on the teeth and helps speed up treatment.

Power chains can be slightly more uncomfortable than traditional elastics because they pressure the teeth more. However, they do not cause more pain than other orthodontic treatments. As with any adjustment, there may be soreness for a few days after the orthodontist applies and adjusts power chains.

Since power chains can trap more food particles than elastics, you must be extra diligent about your oral hygiene routine. This will include brushing more regularly and spending a bit more time flossing to avoid food getting stuck in the ties between your teeth. Also, be sure not to eat hard or sticky foods that can cause the ligatures or brackets to break, which will delay your treatment and require extra appointments. To ease discomfort, you can take over-the-counter acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, as directed.

Dentistry
Dental Services

Dental Education and Specializations

Dentistry is a branch of medicine focused on teeth, gums, and the mouth. It deals with the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the mouth and teeth. The primary focus is on dentition, which is also known as the teeth and the oral mucosa. Here are some common careers within dentistry.Dentistry

Dental education is an essential component of dentistry. It ensures that students have the knowledge and skills to provide optimal dental care. To achieve this, the program must include a comprehensive curriculum and sound clinical training based on scientific and humanitarian principles. Furthermore, the program should incorporate the role and scope of the profession, as well as the relationship between oral health and general health.

In addition to a basic knowledge of the field, dental students also receive specialized training. For example, they are trained to identify and treat diseases in children. Moreover, they must also take a course in infection control and work practice controls. In addition, they must have knowledge of HBV. After finishing their dental school education, graduates are eligible for licensure.

Universities can also demonstrate their commitment to dental education by elevating the status of dental teachers and providing sufficient remuneration. They should also not retain practitioners who are “uninstructive” in their teaching and subordinate their teaching responsibilities to their practice. In addition, endowments are useful tools to show commitment to the field of dentistry, as they dissuade schools from dropping programs.

The federal government supports dentistry education in several ways. Federal support is provided through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) grant program, which funds postgraduate training in dental hospitals. In addition, the state governments often provide financial assistance to public institutions. In recent years, the cost of education has risen, and tuition rates have kept pace.

Dental schools are tertiary education institutions that train prospective dentists and dental auxiliary personnel in the field of dentistry. Students enrolled in dental schools learn about the science of dentistry, the dental profession, and its practice. They also learn about dental health and patient care. Dental schools have a variety of different programs that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of students.

Students in dental schools learn about dentistry through regular classroom lectures and practical training. They also receive training from certified dentists. The schools also work closely with health centers in the community to provide students with real-world medical experience. Moreover, they learn how to communicate effectively with patients. Many dental schools also promote multiculturalism, ensuring that they provide a diverse community of future dentists.

To gain acceptance to dental schools, students must complete at least 90 undergraduate credits. However, the more courses a student completes, the stronger their application will be. It is highly recommended that students have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in science and mathematics. Additionally, applicants must also have a pre-health Advisory Committee letter from Hunter College, which demonstrates that they understand the nature of the profession.

The College of Dentistry has 735 faculty members, including researchers and clinicians. These faculty members have pioneered groundbreaking work in dentistry and related sciences. Clinical oral care is a major focus of the College of Dentistry. Its diverse faculty also includes internationally renowned leaders in research. Its students are provided with the skills to become leaders in the field of dentistry.

Dental schools teach students how to care for diverse populations, and they often work in hospitals or clinics under the supervision of clinical instructors. They also work in collaboration with other healthcare providers. These interactions help them understand the importance of teamwork in the delivery of health care. Dental schools also constantly adapt their curriculum to meet the needs of the population, but the basic outline of the curriculum remains the same. The profession of dentistry is challenging and requires persistence, honesty, and humility.

If you are looking for a better career, you might want to think about dental specializations. There are currently nine specialties recognized by the Dental Association. Each of them requires additional training. The Dental Association also has specific requirements for a particular specialization. Choosing a specialization that is suitable for you is crucial for your career. Once you have decided on your specialization, you can focus on furthering your education and advancing your career.

Dental Services

Travel Tips To Help You Meet Your Trip Goals

Have you heard horror stories about traveling from your family or friends? Chances are, whatever misfortunes they experienced could have been prevented had they done their homework on traveling. In the following article, you are going to be given advice that could save you from having a horror story of your own.

Keep a picture of your child with you if they get lost. The idea of losing your child likely scares you, but not being prepared is worse. However, it’s important to be prepared because it can happen. If you have a picture of your kids with you, it can help out if they get separated from you in a crowd and you need assistance finding them.

When traveling in a strange city by taxi, ask an independent third party such as a front desk clerk or baggage porter what the right rate is for a trip to your destination. Also set up the rate with the driver before you get into the cab. This helps prevent you from getting ripped off.

If you are traveling overnight or into the early morning, get your doctor’s permission to take a sleeping pill after you board. Eat your breakfast and then drift off to dreamland, and you’ll sleep comfortably through the whole flight. Wait until you are airborne to take your pill though, in case your flight is delayed or must return to the gate.

When you’re taking a trip that requires a passport or any type of paperwork for that matter, make sure that you have a second copy available. Go to your local photocopy shop and make a copy of all of your documents. This is a great way to stay safe, even if you lose your original documents or if they are stolen.

In conclusion, traveling stories can be hard to hear sometimes. If the person you heard these stories from had taken the time to learn more about traveling, it is possible these experiences could have been prevented. Now that you have read this article, you are more prepared for your next traveling adventure!

You can also visit our other websites and post your article.

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Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing

Is Lead Generation a Legitimate Business Or a Fake Business?

“is lead generation a legitimate business or a scam” continues to be a hot topic online. As lead generation gains traction online, the practice has come under increasing scrutiny from state regulators, consumer groups, and the Federal Trade Commission. As a result, legal responsibility and ethical standards are blurred. This article will examine what it means to be a legitimate lead generation business and how it differs from a scam.

Digital MarketingA bogus lead generation company will collect consumer leads and then create phony listings on Google Local and Yelp. A potential customer will type in “lawyer Seattle” in Google and see a law firm with a local presence. However, this listing will not be legitimate. That’s a sign of a scam. A legitimate lead generation company won’t lock you into a contract for six or twelve months. Check Ravi Abuvala Net Worth to learn more about lead generation.

The only way to tell if a lead gen company is legitimate is to examine its marketing practices. A shady lead generation company will use cheap and outdated data from the open market, write scripts to fill forms en masse, and send emails using another company’s brand name or offering a competing product. If you’re running a campaign in California and getting fake leads, you might want to reconsider your marketing strategy.

As a lead generation grows, government authorities are taking notice. While the industry has been around for decades, the FTC and state regulators continue to target it aggressively. The FTC has both issued enforcement actions targeting the industry. Some consumers have already reported their experience with lead generation scams. While lead generation isn’t illegal, it should be viewed with caution. It’s a good idea to seek legal counsel if you’re unsure about your lead generation business.

In the case of Day Pacer, LLC, an internet marketing firm, the FTC has sued this company for engaging in bait-and-switch activities. They create fake multi-location listings, pose as legitimate sources, and use convincing websites. They also send unwanted phone calls. Even worse, many of these scammers use the name and address of a legitimate law firm. They steal their leads and use them for their purposes.

Lead generation is a legitimate business, requiring the collection of consumer data. The data collected depends on the industry but typically includes contact information, device, and IP addresses. In some cases, sensitive data is also collected. A legitimate business should implement customer reviews. These leads are the lifeblood of the business. If a company cannot provide these services, it cannot survive in the digital age.

To become a legitimate lead generation business, you must focus on targeting leads. Your content must focus on the needs of the community where you serve. Using local SEO techniques can increase website traffic. Moreover, you can also target leads based on the local community where you serve. In this way, you can take advantage of the local demand for your products and services. This can also help you double your client’s leads.

If you are wondering, “is lead generation a legitimate business or a scam,” you’ve come to the right place. You can begin your own business today by creating a profile on Google My Business and Yahoo Local. You can create a profile for your business and ensure that your contact information is accurate. In addition, you’ll want to monitor the changes that have been made in the market and the ways to comply with them. As a result, it is best to use tried and tested strategies. The best part about lead generation is that you don’t need to produce a product, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

In addition to wasting money on phony leads, fake leads can also damage a business’s reputation. Fake leads are created through false information. They may be generated by people who don’t want to give their information. In some cases, phony leads are generated on an industrial scale. A company that uses fake leads can have negative repercussions on its reputation. In many cases, a company may be forced to shut down due to the damage done.

teeth
Dental Services

Root Canal Treatment – What You Should Expect From Your Dentist

A root canal treatment is a series of treatments for an infected pulp. This procedure aims to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth from microbial invasion. However, this procedure is not without risks. This is why it is important to choose the right dentist for your needs. In addition, you may need root canal treatment several times during your lifetime. Visit Website to learn more about the different types of root canal treatment. This can help you know what you should expect during your appointment.

teeth

The first step in root canal therapy is determining the cause of the tooth pain. Several dental conditions can cause tooth pain. For example, a deep tooth infection may need root canal therapy to relieve the discomfort. If you feel pain or discomfort in your jaw, face, or other teeth, you may need root canal treatment. Additionally, your tooth may become painful when hot or cold foods are consumed or when you bite down on ice cream. Sometimes, a tooth that has become infected will fill with pus, causing your gums to swell and become puffy.

After root canal therapy, your dentist will probably recommend a dental crown. This will protect your tooth from further damage. You may experience some sensitivity during the first few days following root canal therapy, but this will subside after the first few days. Your dentist will also give you instructions on caring for your newly treated tooth. A dental crown will be placed over the tooth after root canal therapy. It would help if you also noted that the crown may be sensitive after the treatment, but this will go away once the tooth has healed.

A root canal is an effective way to save an infected tooth and restore its natural look. Because of the intricate layers of teeth, decay may reach the tooth’s inner chambers and necessitate a root canal treatment. With this procedure, your dentist will access the inside pulp and remove the decay to restore the tooth from the inside. You will also be able to keep your natural smile thanks to restoring your teeth and gums.

A root canal treatment is the best option for an infected tooth. It can save your tooth and restore its natural look. The inside structure of your tooth consists of soft, pliable pulp that is protected by a tough enamel. An infection in the pulp means that harmful bacteria can enter this area and spread to the rest of the mouth. Once this happens, a root canal procedure can save your tooth. Besides restoring its appearance, root canal treatment will also restore the tooth’s structure.

A root canal procedure involves removing the soft tissue around the tooth and filling it with a temporary filling. It is a common procedure with little discomfort. Compared to extracting a tooth, a root canal is healthier and more efficient. The procedure is different from a cavity filling and requires no anesthesia. In many cases, the pain associated with a root canal is minimal. A permanent one should last at least five years.

If you have a tooth with a root canal, you may need further cosmetic procedures after the procedure to protect it from future damage. A tooth with a root canal is typically yellowish-white in color. However, in some cases, it may turn grey. A cosmetic dentist can advise you on the best cosmetic procedures to protect your tooth. Aside from a traditional filling, root canal treatment can also involve the removal of a tooth.

In severe cases, root canal treatment may be required to restore your tooth. A dental abscess is a swelling that occurs in the gums. A root canal treatment is the best solution for a dental abscess. A dentist can use a small file to remove the excess pulp. This process can take several hours to complete. The procedure is usually performed on a single tooth, and you may have a temporary filling for two to four days after the procedure.

If your tooth has a root canal, your dentist will perform a root canal treatment to restore the tooth’s structure. In severe cases, you will experience intense pain, a painful infection in the pulp chamber, and problems chewing. You may also experience sensitivity to certain foods or liquids. Once you have a root canal, your dentist will provide you with post-treatment instructions. You will need to take painkillers and a special mouthwash after your procedure to avoid the chance of developing an infection in the future.

Dental Maintenance

Benefits of Oral Probiotics & Best Strains

Probiotics are microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that provide benefits to humans – from the prevention of bad breath and cavities to improved gum health. 

Probiotics in oral health are supported by years of research, although the number of human clinical trials is limited. 

Still, many patients are unaware of the potential benefits that dental probiotics can offer. 

What are dental/oral probiotics?

Oral probiotics (or dental probiotics) are specific strains of bacteria known to support a healthy mouth and improve oral health. They encourage the growth of good bacteria and stop the growth of bad (pathogenic) bacteria.

Like the gut, the mouth has its diverse bacterial community known as the oral microbiome. Dental probiotics are similar to gut probiotics in that they use good (commensal) bacteria to improve the health of the microbiome in the mouth. 

However, they’re not the same as gut probiotics — oral probiotics are most effective when delivered directly to the mouth via lozenges, chewable tablets, milk, or probiotic drinks. Oral probiotics in the form of swallowable tablets do not seem to be as effective. Some kinds of toothpaste contain oral probiotics.

Oral probiotic supplements deliver these bacterial strains directly to your mouth so that they can colonize the surfaces in your mouth and form biofilms.

The use of oral probiotics may offer health benefits because of the way they boost the immune system of the mouth. 

Do oral probiotics really work? Yes, oral probiotics work to improve oral health, especially for people who have existing dysbiosis (a disruption in the balance of bacterial communities) in their oral microbiome. 

One study concluded that dental probiotic supplements not only show promise for the prevention or treatment of oral disease but also cause little to no side effects. However, more research is needed to determine the right dosages and delivery for the best results.

Oral vs. Gut Probiotics

The major differences between gut probiotics and oral probiotics are the types of organisms included in each, as well as the method of delivery.

Gut probiotics contain bacterial strains native to the gut. 

They are delivered in capsules designed to resist the powerful gastric juices and acidic pH of your digestive system. 

Survivability is very important when it comes to gut probiotics. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-quality product with a large number of diverse strains and a high number of Colony Forming Units (or CFUs).On the other hand, oral probiotics, contain beneficial strains specific to the oral microbiome (though there may be some overlap with regular probiotics). 

What are the Best Probiotic Strains to Take?

Oral microbiome probiotic strains considered most beneficial to oral health include:

Lactobacillus reuteriLactobacillus salivariusStreptococcus salivarius K12Streptococcus salivarius M18Lactobacillus paracaseiLactobacillus sakei

Oral probiotics are usually given in the form of lozenges, drinks, mouth rinse, or chewable tablets. 

They are meant to sit in your mouth while they dissolve, thus allowing enough time to inoculate your oral microbiome.

However, the mouth is connected to the rest of the body — for instance, good gut bacteria established during birth and infancy may potentially reduce a child’s risk of cavities.

Benefits of Dental Probiotics

The benefits of dental probiotics are evident in every part of the mouth because a healthy oral microbiome is the key to oral health.

Oral/dental probiotics may prevent or address most oral diseases, such as:

CavitiesGingivitis/periodontitisOral thrush (Candidiasis)Bad breathRespiratory infectionsTonsillitisOral cancer

The good bacteria in oral probiotics can create biofilms to replace those created by undesirable bacteria. These new biofilms not only support the health of teeth and gums and reduce inflammation, but they can also block bad bacteria from reaching enamel or gum tissue to wreak havoc.

1. Oral Probiotics for Cavities

Cavities, or “dental caries”, develop when clusters of bacteria, called plaque, form on teeth and feed on sugar molecules, and excrete acids that break down enamel. 

If you address it early in the process, you can reverse some cavities with dietary and lifestyle changes. Left unchecked, this tooth decay can irreversibly damage the dentin and enamel and require a filling, root canal, or tooth extraction.

Oral probiotic supplements may prevent cavities and plaque buildup. 

The best dental probiotics for cavities include:

L. acidophilusL. paracaseiL. rhamnosusL. reuteriL. caseiL. salivariusBifidobacillusS. thermophilus

Research shows probiotics for teeth can prevent cavities by:

Improving the immunity of the mouth Producing antibacterial compounds to fight certain cavity-causing bacteriaPreventing bad bacteria from attaching to the teethAltering the pH of the mouth to stop cavity growthChanging the saliva quality to improve remineralization of enamel

One of the most problematic bacteria in the development of cavities is called Streptococcus mutans. However, an oral probiotic strain called Streptococcus A12can outcompete the harmful version and prevent plaque buildup.

As of mid-2020, 8 randomized, controlled trials on oral probiotics for dental caries have been completed. 75% of these studies found that the use of dental probiotics reduced cavities. 

However, the doses, strains, study methods, and lengths of study were inconsistent. 

It’s not possible to say for sure exactly what dose, probiotic strain, or length of treatment will effectively reverse or prevent cavities.

2. Oral Probiotics for Gingivitis & Periodontitis

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects 42% of adults in the US. It is associated with higher rates of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and more. 

Once you develop gum recession, you can only halt gum disease, not reverse it. That’s why it’s so important to stop gum disease before it does lasting damage.

At least 11 clinical trials show that oral probiotics may improve gum disease symptoms. 

The best oral probiotics for gum disease are:

L. reuteriL. brevis

Improvements in gum disease from oral probiotics include:

Reduced plaque under the gum lineLess bleeding gumsLower gingival index (a marker of gingivitis)Smaller pocket depth (a measurement your dentist uses to spot periodontitis)

Using dental probiotics as part of your oral care routine may reduce inflammation, stop bleeding gums, and crowd out the bacteria that cause gingivitis. 

L. reuterican improve symptoms of gingivitis and gum bleeding, while L. brevis seems to reduce inflammation.

3. Oral Probiotics for Candidiasis/Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal condition in which candida fungus (usually C. albicans) overgrows and forms white spots on your tongue. Burning, redness, and dry mouth can result.

This fungal overgrowth is a common symptom of dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. 

The best way to combat this condition is to stop consuming the sugars and carbs that feed the candida yeast. Along with a dietary change, high-quality oral probiotics may help prevent or reverse oral thrush.

Changing your diet will stop candida growth, as it will no longer have an adequate food source. The influx of beneficial bacteria from the oral probiotic will crowd out any remaining candida microbes.

The best oral probiotics for oral thrush/candidiasis are:

Lactobacillus spp.S. salivarius K12

Lab research shows that dental probiotics including Lactobacillus species can stop candida from forming a biofilm in the mouth. 

A 2020 clinical trial found that 30 days of the oral probiotic S. salivarius K12 decreased oral thrush symptoms. It also improved inflammation of oral tissue caused by denture stomatitis, a bacterial overgrowth on dentures. 

4. Oral Probiotics for Halitosis/Bad Breath

3 studies on dental probiotics for halitosis found that good probiotics can reduce VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds) that cause bad breath. An additional study saw no VSC improvement although breath odor improved. 

Oral probiotics are a much better remedy for bad breath than mouthwash. Most mouthwash kills not only bad bacteria but good along with it.

Dental probiotics may stop bad breath by reducing the compounds that cause halitosis.

The best dental probiotics for bad breath include:

S. salivarius K12L. salivariusL. reuteriL. casei

5. Oral Probiotics for Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are infections of the respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses or bacteria. Common examples include the common cold, sinusitis, strep throat, and bronchitis.

Oral probiotics may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, particularly in children.

The best oral probiotics for respiratory infections are:

S. salivarius K12S. salivarius M18L. reuteriL. sakeiL. paracaseiL. gasseri

A 2016 animal study found that L. gasseri was able to crowd out significant Group A Streptococcus bacteria responsible for infections like strep throat, scarlet fever, and sore throat. 

Animals who received the oral probiotics contracted Group A strep infections 4 times less frequently and were 15 times less likely to die from the infections than the control animals.

An oral probiotic supplement containing 5 strains of probiotics reduced the risk of children getting a respiratory tract infection by 76% in a 2018 clinical trial.

6. Oral Probiotics for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat.

Oral probiotics may reduce symptoms of recurrent tonsillitis.

The best probiotic for tonsillitis is S. salivarius K12.

In a 2020 clinical trial, an oral probiotic given for 30 days provided “rapid relief” for symptoms of recurrent tonsillitis. It also resulted in a marked improvement in the microbiome of the upper respiratory tract.

7. Oral Probiotics for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer may develop, in part, due to harmful bacteria in the mouth. 

Correcting dysbiosis of the oral microbiome may decrease the risk of developing oral cancer, although no clinical trials with human patients have confirmed this theory.

According to two reviews published in 2020, oral probiotic strains that may stop oral cancer growth include:

L. rhamnosus GGL. plantarumAcetobacter syzigiiL. salivarius REN

More research is needed to draw serious conclusions.

There is no scientific evidence that oral probiotics can treat or reverse oral cancer in humans. 

How long do oral probiotics take to work?

Depending on the severity of your dysbiosis, oral probiotics may begin working in as little as 1 week.

Most studies on oral probiotics have been conducted for 2-4 weeks. Studies tracking cavity development have been longer, from 9-12 months.

When advising a patient to take oral probiotics, I generally recommend 2-3 months as a baseline treatment period.

How to Take Oral Probiotics

The most effective ways to take probiotics are via chewable tablets or lozenges. These allow the beneficial bacteria to be delivered directly to the surfaces of your mouth where biofilms are formed by bacteria.

For good bacteria to thrive, you must also eat plenty of prebiotics. Prebiotics are fibers that feed probiotic bacteria. 

Prebiotic foods include:

OnionsRaw dandelion greensGarlicArtichokesBananas (especially unripe)Chicory rootAsparagus LeeksRaw jicamaApplesCocoaFlaxseeds

Taking probiotics is unlikely to be effective without prebiotics present in the mouth. In other words, you must consume prebiotics every day for your probiotics to work.

Q

Should I take oral probiotics in the morning or at night?

A

The best time to take oral probiotics is in the morning after finishing your oral hygiene routine.

How to Choose the Best Oral Probiotic

When choosing an oral probiotic supplement, look for products with a high strain count, which is measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). Find a supplement with at least 3 billion CFUs.

Keep in mind, though, that oral probiotics will usually have a lower strain and CFU count than regular probiotics. 

Look for a probiotic with beneficial strains, such as S. salivarius K12S. salivarius M18L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri.

Oral probiotics should not be swallowed but chewed or made to melt in the mouth.

You can buy dental probiotics on Amazon or directly from manufacturers. Most oral probiotics are not available at local drugstores or grocery stores.

Probiotic Foods

You may also try adding foods that contain probiotic bacteria to your diet to enhance the benefits of oral probiotic supplements. 

Common probiotic foods include:

KombuchaKimchiYogurtMisoNattoSauerkrautKefir

There are no published studies that prove these foods will act the same as targeted probiotic supplements for oral health. However, they may offer general benefits to your oral and overall health.

Side Effects of Dental Probiotics

Dental probiotics should not cause side effects. One of the benefits of dental probiotics is that they are “extremely safe” for human use.

Gut probiotic side effects include stomach upset and bloating. No symptoms have been identified for oral probiotic side effects.

If you have a condition that compromises immunity, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, always talk to your doctor and/or dentist before starting a new probiotic regimen.

The Oral Microbiome

Your oral microbiome is made up of over 700 known species of bacteria that live in the biofilms of your mouth (on the teeth, lips, tongue, and upper/lower palates). 

It serves as your mouth’s immune system — a healthy oral microbiome can reduce rates of tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral thrush, and bad breath. Dysbiosis (imbalance) of the oral microbiome can result in inflammation and a higher risk for any oral disease.

There’s a lot of talk about the gut microbiome and how important it is to your whole body and digestive health, but your oral microbiome may be equally as important.

Balancing your oral microbiome has benefits beyond your mouth, too. Healthy microbial colonies in the mouth can reduce your risk of many systemic diseases. A dysbiotic oral microbiome is associated with problems like:

CancerDiabetesHeart diseaseAdverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) like miscarriage, preeclampsia, and low birth weightObesityAlzheimer’s diseaseCOPDPneumoniaCognitive impairment

There are specific strains of oral microbes associated with each of these diseases. With predictive testing, your dentist can even test for the presence of these in your mouth and identify if you have an increased risk for these diseases.

Your oral microbiome is the gateway to the rest of your body. Everything that goes in through your nose and mouth passes through your oral cavities, which are home to millions of microbes that make up your oral microbiome.

In addition to the microbes that live in your mouth, you swallow over one trillion microbes every single day. These pass through your oral microbiome and travel down to your gut microbiome, in the process inoculating and reseeding both.

Depending on the health of your oral microbiome, certain microbes make it through this initial checkpoint and have a major say in your overall health. 

This just speaks to the importance of a healthy oral microbiome. 

I can’t state this enough: Whether your mouth maintains an ideal ratio of good-to-bad bacteria directly determines your oral and dental health, as well as the health of your entire body. 

re dental/oral probiotics right for you?

Using oral probiotics for dental health cannot replace oral hygiene, a healthy diet, or 6-month cleanings. However, used with other oral care strategies, dental probiotics can provide a significant benefit to your oral and overall health.

The health of your oral microbiome impacts the rest of the body in ways we are only just beginning to fully understand. Your body is a complex system of interactions, none of which are isolated from the rest of the body. 

As I always say, what happens in the mouth happens in the body.

ReferencesLaleman, I., & Teughels, W. (2015). Probiotics in the dental practice: a review. Quintessence Int, 46(3), 255-64. Full text: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/56ce/6fca0dc78db04ee023991384650b23d6748c.pdfBonifait, L., Chandad, F., & Grenier, D. (2009). Probiotics for oral health: myth or reality?. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 75(8). Full text: https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-8/585.pdfAnanya, B., Rani, S. L., & Brundha, M. P. (2020). Knowledge and attitude of probiotics among outpatients visiting dental operatory. Drug Invention Today, 14(2). Abstract: https://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=09757619&AN=142963164&h=0nGPW0bD6kP4QHhY21PmF0FPXkSIc7rqid%2fjhWJd57%2fBVPkwhw7tWtb6oSKLX5vnPAw946FY1enN8SdMvVG0FA%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d09757619%26AN%3d142963164Darwazeh, T., & Darwazeh, A. (2011). Probiotics and oral disease: An update. Smile Dental Journal, 110(422), 1-6. Abstract: https://platform.almanhal.com/GoogleScholar/Details/?ID=2-21358#Mahasneh, S. A., & Mahasneh, A. M. (2017). Probiotics: a promising role in dental health. Dentistry journal, 5(4), 26. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806962/Dewhirst, F. E., Chen, T., Izard, J., Paster, B. J., Tanner, A. C., Yu, W. H., … & Wade, W. G. (2010). The human oral microbiome. Journal of bacteriology, 192(19), 5002-5017. Full text: https://jb.asm.org/content/jb/192/19/5002.full.pdfJindal, G., Pandey, R. K., Singh, R. K., & Pandey, N. (2012). Can early exposure to probiotics in children prevent dental caries? A current perspective. Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research, 2(2), 110-115. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942020/Chugh, P., Dutt, R., Sharma, A., Bhagat, N., & Dhar, M. S. (2020). A critical appraisal of the effects of probiotics on oral health. Journal of Functional Foods, 70, 103985. Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620302097Shakib, P., Rouhi, S., & Zolfaghari, M. R. (2020). The role of probiotics in preventing dental caries. Plant Biotechnology Persa, 2(1), 55-58. Full text: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-40-en.pdfHuang, X., Palmer, S. R., Ahn, S. J., Richards, V. P., Williams, M. L., Nascimento, M. M., & Burne, R. A. (2016). A highly arginolytic Streptococcus species that potently antagonizes Streptococcus mutans. Applied and environmental microbiology, 82(7), 2187-2201. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4807514/Krasse, P., Carlsson, B., Dahl, C., Paulsson, A., Nilsson, A., & Sinkiewicz, G. (2006). Decreased gum bleeding and reduced gingivitis by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. Swedish dental journal, 30(2), 55-60. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16878680/Riccia, D. D., Bizzini, F., Perilli, M. G., Polimeni, A., Trinchieri, V., Amicosante, G., & Cifone, M. G. (2007). Anti‐inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus brevis (CD2) on periodontal disease. Oral diseases, 13(4), 376-385. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17577323/Matsubara, V. H., Wang, Y., Bandara, H. M. H. N., Mayer, M. P. A., & Samaranayake, L. P. (2016). Probiotic lactobacilli inhibit early stages of Candida albicans biofilm development by reducing their growth, cell adhesion, and filamentation. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 100(14), 6415-6426. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27087525/Passariello, C., Di Nardo, F., Polimeni, A., Di Nardo, D., & Testarelli, L. (2020). Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius Reduces Symptoms of Denture Stomatitis and Oral Colonization by Candida albicans. Applied Sciences, 10(9), 3002. Abstract: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/9/3002Mansour, N. M., & Abdelaziz, S. A. (2016). Oral immunization of mice with engineered Lactobacillus gasseri NM713 strain expressing Streptococcus pyogenes M6 antigen. Microbiology and immunology, 60(8), 527-532. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27301486/Campanella, V., Syed, J., Santacroce, L., Saini, R., Ballini, A., & Inchingolo, F. (2018). Oral probiotics influence oral and respiratory tract infections in pediatric population: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 22(22), 8034-8041. Full text: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jamaluddin_Syed/publication/329573879_Oral_probiotics_influence_oral_and_respiratory_tract_infections_in_pediatric_population_A_randomized_double-blinded_placebo-controlled_pilot_study/links/5c22138c458515a4c7f71fd9/Oral-probiotics-influence-oral-and-respiratory-tract-infections-in-pediatric-population-A-randomized-double-blinded-placebo-controlled-pilot-study.pdfIlchenko S.I., Fialkovskaya A.A., & Ivanus S.G. (2020). EFFICIENCY OF THE RESPIRATORY PROBIOTIC STREPTOCOCCUS SALIVARIUS K12 IN CHILDREN WITH RECURRENT TONSILLITIS. Actual Infectology, 8(2), 25-29. Abstract: http://ai.zaslavsky.com.ua/article/view/199732La Rosa, G. R. M., Gattuso, G., Pedullà, E., Rapisarda, E., Nicolosi, D., & Salmeri, M. (2020). Association of oral dysbiosis with oral cancer development. Oncology Letters, 19(4), 3045-3058. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079586/Kamaluddin, W. N. F. W. M., Rismayuddin, N. A. R., Ismail, A. F., Aidid, E. M., Othman, N., Mohamad, N. A. H., & Arzmi, M. H. (2020). Probiotic inhibits oral carcinogenesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Oral Biology, 104855. Abstract: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003996920302338Stowik, T. A. (2016). Contribution of Probiotics Streptococcus salivarius Strains K12 and M18 to Oral Health in Humans: A Review. Full text: https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1484&context=srhonors_thesesLim, Y., Totsika, M., Morrison, M., & Punyadeera, C. (2017). Oral microbiome: a new biomarker reservoir for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Theranostics, 7(17), 4313. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5695015/Leishman, S. J., Lien Do, H., & Ford, P. J. (2010). Cardiovascular disease and the role of oral bacteria. Journal of oral microbiology, 2(1), 5781. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084572/Teixeira, F. B., Saito, M. T., Matheus, F. C., Prediger, R. D., Yamada, E. S., Maia, C. S., & Lima, R. R. (2017). Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease: a possible comorbidity between oral chronic inflammatory condition and neuroinflammation. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 9, 327. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5649154/Olsen, I. (2015). From the acta prize lecture 2014: The periodontal-systemic connection seen from a microbiological standpoint: Summary of the Acta Odontologica Scandinavia Price lecture 2014 presented at the meeting of the IADR/Pan European region in Dubrovnik, September 10–13. 2014. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 73(8), 563-568. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25891035/Kumar, V., Bhatia, M., & Kumar, A. H. (2020). Microbes from mouth to gut impacting probiotics to antibiotics. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, 11(2), 83. Abstract: http://www.jnsbm.org/article.asp?issn=0976-9668;year=2020;volume=11;issue=2;spage=83;epage=84;aulast=Kumar

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Dental Care

The Top 3 Manual Toothbrushes I Recommend to Patients

Q

What’s the best manual toothbrush?

A

I get asked this a lot. For something as basic as brushing twice daily, we sure have made it complicated!

Here, I’ll walk you through…

1. What actually matters when choosing a brush

2. The three that I most commonly recommend

What matters when choosing a brush

The things I look for, in order of importance:

Soft (or extra) soft bristles: This is priority number one. Medium and hard bristles can cause gingival abrasion or create microabrasions in enamel, which can leave the teeth more susceptible to cavities, gum recession, and sensitivity.Quality bristles: This is a must-have because of the potential for bristles to do major damage. I’ve seen this damage first-hand in my patients. When a manufacturer takes shortcuts, the result is low quality bristles with sharp or jagged edges which damage teeth.STOP using medium or hard bristles, which can cause gingival abrasion + create microabrasions in enamel.

Bristles should be
1. soft
2. quality
3. replaced often@AmerDentalAssn seal of acceptance is a good guide for determining bristle quality

— Dr. Mark Burhenne (@askthedentist) February 21, 2021

How Important is the ADA Seal?

The ADA Seal of Acceptance lays out a good framework for how to judge whether bristles are safe. That said, there are some great toothbrushes out there that couldn’t afford going through the ADA Seal process even though they meet the requirements—two of these is included in my list below, the Oral-B and the Nimbus. To qualify for the seal, the manufacturer must provide evidence that their bristles are “free of sharp or jagged edges and endpoints” as well as pay a fee to be able to use the seal in their marketing.

In other words, if you’re in a hurry, the ADA Seal is a good shortcut. But, there aren’t that many brushes that have it. If in doubt, consult your dentist to ask if a brush has quality bristles or not.

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

Which Manual Brushes I Recommend

Best Manual Toothbrush for People Who Brush Too Hard

Radius Source

The wide massaging head helps prevent doing enamel and gum damage, since the forces are spread over a great surface area.The Radius Source reduces toothbrush waste by 93%. You keep the same handle and just change the replacement heads.The super-soft vegetable nylon bristles are great for bleeding, receding, or sensitive gums.Personally, I love the grip on this one. This is my personal go-to that I use daily. I also travel with the Radius Travel, which has the exact same head as the regular model.

Best Budget-friendly Manual Toothbrush

Oral-B Cross Action Manual Toothbrush

I gave these out in my private practice for over 30 years, so I’ve seen the long term effects of this brush, so I trust it implicitly. This is the old standby, you can’t go wrong.This brush works out to be just under $2.50 per brush.The value pack size is something I hope will encourage you to replace your toothbrush often (every 4-6 weeks to prevent bristles from wearing out and doing damage).I like to keep these on hand for guests who forgot their toothbrush.

Best Manual Toothbrush for Bleeding or Receding Gums

Nimbus Extra Soft Toothbrushes

This brush does NOT have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, simply because they are a small business that hasn’t paid for it. But it certainly meets the requirements. This is a great example of why the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a good shortcut, but it certainly misses a lot of great brushes.Invented by a periodontist, designed to get in between spaces, which is especially great for people with gingivitis or gum recession.The first time you use this brush, you might notice your teeth don’t feel as clean. Give it time to adjust—your teeth are getting clean without the harsh scrubbing, I promise.The beauty of the Nimbus is that it alerts you to areas in your mouth where you have recession or gingivitis. You’ll notice tenderness whenever the Nimbus bristles come to an area of the gums that inflamed—alerting you to focus a bit more on that area. I noticed this the first time I tried the Nimbus on myself—it caused tenderness in all of my usual areas of inflammation. By knowing the areas I needed to work on, over time, those areas got better! What wonderful feedback to be getting from a toothbrush, and a manual one at that!

So, there you have it. Those are my go-to manual toothbrush recommendations, but certainly not the only great manual brushes to choose from.

To recap, bristles should be…

SoftQuality (Use ADA Seal of Acceptance guidelines to determine this—not necessarily the Seal itself, which is pay to play)Replaced often (every 4-6 weeks, because even the best quality toothbrush will wear out and become too sharp for enamel)

Hope that simplifies things for you a bit! For further reading, I recommend my guide How to Brush Your Teeth to improve your technique as well as my guide to the best electric toothbrushes. 

Referenceshttps://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/category-display/compare-products/product-report?productid=3987&company=Radius+Corp.https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushesAmerican National Standards Institute/American Dental Association. Standard No. 119 Manual Toothbrushes. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association; 2015.https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/how-to-earn-the-ada-seal/general-criteria-for-acceptance

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Dental Care

New Study: How Does P. Gingivalis Colonize the Mouth?

A new study, conducted by a team at the University of Buffalo, reports that a bacterium called Veillonella parvula plays a supporting role in causing gum diseases by inducing the multiplication of the pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.

The aim of the study, published in The ISME Journal, was to understand the ways by which P.gingivalis forms colonies inside the mouth.

The question was how this pathogen could populate without growth molecules. The researchers found out that it obtained growth molecules from Vparvula, a common bacterium of our oral microbiome.

The presence of V. parvula alone is not harmful. It is their proliferation, which occurs in a mouth with poor hygiene, that kickstarts the replication of P. gingivalis.

Highlights of The Study

The researchers at the UB School of Dental Medicine investigated Pgingivalis for around two decades. The study could be summarised as follows:

The study was conducted on a pertinent mouse model and in vitro culture systems and was focused on understanding how the growth molecules controlled the growth and colonization of P. gingivalisFive bacterial species that are prevalent during gum disease were selected and the interaction between the growth molecules of these bacteria with P. gingivalis was tested.Of the five types of bacteria, it was noticed that only the growth molecules of V. parvula influenced the multiplication of P. gingivalis.Another interesting finding was that P. gingivalis stopped multiplying when V. paravula was eliminated from the microbiome. However, the presence of V. paravula was not enough as the replication of P. gingivalis was triggered only when V. paravula existed in a large population.The study suggested that P. gingivalis enjoyed a unidirectional relationship with V. paravula as the sharing of growth molecules brought no obvious advantage to the latter.Apart from the growth molecules, V. paravula forms heme (blood) that served as an excellent source of iron for P. gingivalis.The unidirectional relationship was further confirmed by an increase in periodontal bone loss caused by P. gingivalis in the presence of V.paravula.It remains unclear if the growth-stimulating molecules produced by P. gingivalis are similar to that of V.paravula and more research is needed.

Why This Matters

Over 47% of adults above 30 years of age have some form of gum disease, according to the CDC.

Researchers could formulate specific therapies to manage periodontitis with the help of a deeper insight into the relation between Vparvula and Pgingivalis. Here are a few points that the investigators came up with:

In a person with good oral health, P.gingivalis forms a very small percentage of the microflora inside the mouth and it cannot multiply.On the other hand, in individuals with poor oral hygiene and minimal plaque control, V.parvula multiplies at a rapid rate and produces sufficient growth molecules that can trigger the replication process of Pgingivalis

Therapies that aim at removing V. parvula from the oral microflora can prove beneficial in keeping gum diseases at bay. However, we should bear in mind that their presence alone is not harmful. It is their proliferation, which occurs in a mouth with poor hygiene, that kickstarts the replication of P. gingivalis. Hence, plaque control and maintenance of good oral hygiene are certainly the best ways of preventing and treating periodontal disease.

ReferencesAnilei Hoare, Hui Wang, Archana Meethil, Loreto Abusleme, Bo-Young Hong, Niki M. Moutsopoulos, Philip D. Marsh, George Hajishengallis & Patricia I. Diaz (2020). The ISME Journal Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology. A cross-species interaction with a symbiotic commensal enables cell-density-dependent growth and in vivo virulence of an oral pathogen. Full text: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41396-020-00865-y

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Dental Care

‘Heal Your Oral Microbiome’ Book Review

Many health-related articles and websites point to having a healthy gut microbiome as the key to living an overall healthy lifestyle. However, before the gut microbiome comes into the picture, it’s the oral microbiome that is at the forefront of keeping you and your immune system in good condition. 

Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is a major focus of my dentistry, so I am always looking for resources that will help guide people in taking the best care of their mouths.

That’s where the book, Heal Your Oral Microbiome, by Cass Nelson-Dooley comes in. This book focuses exclusively on the oral microbiome and teaches you how your mouth paves the way towards full-body health, as well as important steps to take in order to heal and balance your oral microbiome.

It’s the first book of its kind. During 40 years of dental practice, I had never before read information like this- all in one place. Yet, as dentists, we are working with the oral microbiome every day. I’m so happy this information is finally available to patients and dentists alike. This is why I call Heal Your Oral Microbiome a “pillar book.” It’s one of my top four most highly recommended books.

These “Pillar Books” Are Game-Changers in the Field of Dental Health

Heal Your Oral MicrobiomeVitamin K2 and the Calcium ParadoxTongue-TiedJaws

What is Heal Your Oral Microbiome about? 

Heal Your Oral Microbiome dives into the world of bacteria contained within your mouth and offers science-based tips on how you can improve your health by first fixing your mouth-gut microbiome connection. 

Qualified Author

The author, Cass Nelson-Dooley, M.S., began her career in the field of science and natural medicine after she studied medicinal plants in the rain forests of Panama, in 2003. She researched the pharmacology of medicinal plants at the University of Georgia and AptoTec, Inc, and then started a career in laboratory testing at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory. She has over a decade of experience teaching doctors about integrative and functional laboratory results. She owns Health First Consulting, LLC, a medical communications company with the mission to improve human health using the written word. In addition to Heal Your Oral Microbiome, Ms. Nelson-Dooley has published case studies, book chapters, and journal articles about natural medicine, nutrition, and laboratory testing.  

What This Book Will Tell You

From the start of her book, Nelson-Dooley aims for the reader to recognize that the oral microbiome is made up of 99 percent “good,” or necessary, bacteria and only about one percent “bad,” or infectious, bacteria, and the key to having a healthy oral microbiome is actively nourishing those good bacteria instead of trying to kill off the tiny amount of bad ones.

The author highlights the essential roles that the good bacteria in your oral microbiome perform, including protecting you from pathogens, regulating your immune response, making vitamins, and even helping you lose weight. But most importantly, the good bacteria in your oral microbiome help you build up a resistance to infections from any bad bacteria that manage to slip past your defenses. 

Amidst an informative tour of the oral cavity and easy-to-understand scientific descriptions of the most common oral diseases, Heal Your Oral Microbiome focuses on the natural, safe things you can do to optimize your oral microbiome.

Key Tips from the Book

Here are a few key takeaways from Heal Your Microbiome that I found to be the most helpful and that you can easily apply to your day-to-day life. 

Eat more prebiotic-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits to build your oral microbiome

A diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can encourage a healthier oral microbiome. Sugar and packaged foods (those containing refined carbohydrates) promote dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, which show up as cavities, gum disease, or root canal infections. To feed your healthy oral bacteria with the prebiotics they crave, it’s best to eat whole foods rich in fiber, and eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables. But you can also take prebiotics in a powder form or a chewable, like Hyperbiotics’ Prebiotic.

Boost your dental health and say goodbye to the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori

It’s hard to believe that brushing and flossing can reduce stomach ulcers, but Nelson-Dooley shows that the mouth is intimately linked to the gut in Heal Your Oral Microbiome. People who get regular dental cleanings can get rid of ulcers and H. pylori more effectively than those who don’t. The benefits of dental hygiene for whole-body health don’t stop there. Brushing and flossing can also lower inflammatory markers in your blood and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Stay away from antiseptic mouthwashes

Bacteria that live in your mouth help you make a chemical called nitric oxide, which plays a critical role in your cardiovascular system by making blood flow smoothly. However, using antiseptic mouthwash usually kills both the bad and good bacteria in your mouth. And once the good bacteria is damaged, it can no longer produce nitric oxide, and your blood pressure can increase.

Final Thoughts on Heal Your Oral Microbiome

Heal Your Oral Microbiome is a must read if you truly want to understand oral health and how it affects the health of your overall systemic wellbeing. I have been practicing dentistry for 40 years and I think this should be required reading in dental schools. Easily read by both the layperson and professional, this book is a healthcare gem, and will, by reading it, greatly improve the quality of your life. An essential read for better health!

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