It is well-known that tooth decay is initiated by bacteria digesting sugar and producing an acid. We can modify the tooth by making it stronger with fluoride varnish, and treat small areas of decay or abrasion with mineralization paste. Or, we can modify the sugar with diet and substitute sugar with xylitol products, such as Spry Dental Defense System® gum and mints purchased at Whole Foods Market®, or Dr. John’s Candies®. But how can we modify the bacteria? Antibiotics are effective once there is a gum abscess and much of the supporting structure of the tooth is destroyed, but that just puts out the fire. Today “fire insurance” is available for the mouth!
Recently, a new supplement for people with “weak teeth” or “bad gums” has been launched. Researchers from the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute and the University of Florida have just developed the first product specifically created for supporting tooth and gum health. Thirty years in the making, this breakthrough was released as EvoraPro™. It is a group of different good bacteria, or probiotics, that replace the bad bacteria in the gum pocket. This proprietary blend of three different bacteria is patented and called ProBiora3™. One bacterium replaces the acid-producing bacteria that causes tooth decay, and the other two replace the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal bone loss.
“The reason why this system is so ingenious is that these bacteria are normally found in the body and in this location; therefore, it is able to slip by all of the normal barriers since the body perceives it as normal.”
There are about 700 different species of bacteria in the mouth. Most do no harm; however, there are close to 10 bacteria that are considered pathogens. These bacteria cause the tooth to decay, the gums to bleed, and the bone that holds the tooth firm to dissolve. There has been a body of research that has shown that the bacteria in ProBiora3 can act as antagonists to harmful bacteria. That means that if these beneficial bacteria are in the gum pocket, the harmful ones are not. The problem has been how to deliver good bacteria to the site.
Good-tasting mints that contain probiotics replace the harmful bacteria. Once they are introduced into the mouth and begin to grow, they compete with the harmful bacteria for nutrients and space. They overwhelm the gum pocket and colonize close to the pathogens below the gum line and the surfaces of teeth. There is an initial, professional-strength, 10-day supply (EvoraPro™) to be used once daily. Next is the maintenance dose: A one-month supply called EvoraPlus™, to be used twice daily.
The best time to start a patient on this program is after a dental cleaning, when the bacteria levels are diminished and it is easier and more effective for the ProBiora3 to work. In addition to eliminating the harmful bacteria, one side benefit is that the beneficial bacteria releases hydrogen peroxide. This has the effect of getting oxygen to the bottom of the gum pocket, further destroying anaerobic bacteria. Additionally, there is a bleaching effect on the enamel.
The reason why this system is so ingenious is that these bacteria are normally found in the body and in this location; therefore, it is able to slip by all of the normal barriers since the body perceives it as normal. No other product does this. A Journal of Applied Microbiology (August 2009) study determined that use of ProBiora3 promotes periodontal and dental health by helping to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.
What does the patient notice? Breathing improves, there is less plaque and tartar, the smooth, slick feeling after a cleaning lingers, and after 40 days, there is some whitening. Replenished daily, these probiotics work around the clock to whiten, brighten, and freshen the mouth at the root of the problem. Fortunately, no refrigeration is required to keep these probiotics active.
Cost is very reasonable for the starter pack, at $30 for an initial 40-day supply following a dental cleaning, and $20 per month thereafter. The night following a dental cleaning, the patient should dissolve the EvoraPro™ after brushing the teeth at bedtime. The patient should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes (advise him or her to just go to bed and let it work during sleep). The patient should do this every night for 10 days. After 10 days, the patient should then take the EvoraPlus™ the same way, but twice a day after brushing teeth. Waiting 30 minutes to eat or drink gives the bacteria time to adhere to tooth surfaces and to begin colonization.
The company also has a product for kids and pets, with different percentages of bacteria. The kid version has more bacteria to help maintain tooth health and fight decay, and the pet version has more bacteria to fight bad breath. The pet product is called OralCare™ and is available online (www.teddyspride.com). It retails for $25 per bottle for a 60-day supply. The product is in powder form and can be sprinkled onto your cat or dog’s food.
Since bacteria can be passed by kissing and toothbrush contact, this product may even help to limit the spreading of germs between family members. Recently, Oragenics announced an agreement to get these products to the United Nations, including UNESCO and UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Will probiotics improve your patient care? It’s certainly something to think about.
