Best Oral Probiotics for Kids: Benefits and Product Recommendations

Oral probiotics for kids are strains of bacteria that are beneficial to your children's dental health.

The bad bacteria may sometimes outgrow the healthy bacteria when this equilibrium is out of balance. This may result in oral health issues including periodontitis and dental cavities.

Dental probiotic supplements for kids may help prevent decay, gum disease, and bad breath while restoring a healthy balance to the oral microbiome. The link between dental care probiotics and oral health will be discussed in greater detail in this article, along with a review of some of the top oral probiotics for kids. We’ll also cover the following:

• How do probiotics work?
• Are there health benefits of probiotics for kids?
• Should you give probiotics supplements to children?
• What are the best probiotics for kids?

We compare three products that are at the top of our lists before we continue if you want to see the best dental probiotics for children available on the market:

What are oral probiotics?

Dental probiotics, also known as oral probiotics, are bacterial strains that help maintain a healthy mouth and oral hygiene. These probiotics promote the development of healthy bacteria. They also assist in preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.

Since gut health is one of the most recent health trends, you've definitely been hearing a lot about it recently. The oral microbiome is a term used to describe the ecosystem of bacteria found in the mouth, much like the gut. Oral probiotics assist the mouth's microbiome to remain healthy and balance its population of beneficial bacteria.

Do children need probiotic supplements?

It's crucial to begin practicing good oral hygiene at a young age, and while your child can probably have a healthy mouth without them, oral probiotics can certainly make it easier.

Specifically, they can help the good bacteria win over the bad bacteria in your child's mouth, lowering the risks of decay and cavities.

Additionally, bad dental hygiene affects more than just your child's smile. Kids with healthy mouths are often healthier in general since the mouth is a gateway to one's overall health.

Numerous clinical studies that have been published have shown a link between oral and systemic health. A child's digestive system, brain development, heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs may all suffer from poor oral health.

Sadly, many children's mouths are not as healthy as they need to be. More than 20% of children between the ages of two and five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have one or more cavities.

By the age of eight, that percentage rises to more than 50%. Although these figures might be unsettling, the good news is that cavities are avoidable.

How oral health affects your kids' overall health

Your whole health will probably suffer if your mouth is unhealthy. Harmful bacteria that develop in your mouth may enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body.

In fact, the lungs may also be impacted by your oral microbiota. Lack of dental appointments and poor oral care may both raise the risk of getting pneumonia. This suggests that there may be a connection between mouth and lung disorders and harmful oral bacteria.

Furthermore, according to recent studies, cardiovascular disease, which may include everything from high blood pressure to stroke, and other conditions are linked to periodontal disease.

5 Benefits of oral probiotics for kids

According to research, the healthy bacteria of dental probiotics are beneficial in the fight against certain strains of bacteria that are known to cause tooth decay. They also enhance the oral pH, lessen foul breath, and have other health benefits. Let's examine some possible advantages in more detail.

1. Oral probiotics can help prevent plaque buildup

You've probably heard of plaque before; it's the soft, sticky film that forms on teeth. However, you may be unsure of what it truly is or why dentists are so adamant that you lower your plaque levels.

Oral bacteria create plaque, a biofilm, as a type of “home” for them to reside in. A little amount of plaque is natural, but an excessive amount may cause tooth damage, gum irritation, and foul breath.

Some studies have been done, which have shown that oral probiotics are beneficial in combating bacteria growth.

2. Dental probiotics can help avoid cavities

Dental caries, often known as cavities, are caused by bacterial colonies called plaque that collect on teeth, feed on sugar molecules, and then release acids that erode enamel.

Some cavities may be reversed with dietary and lifestyle modifications if they are addressed early in the process. If left untreated, this tooth decay may permanently harm the dentin and enamel, meaning a filling, root canal, or even the extraction of the tooth.

Important note: While certain probiotics may contribute to the oral microbiome's equilibrium, they may not entirely eradicate the bacterium that causes decay. Don't depend solely on oral probiotics to maintain oral health, since the FDA has not authorized them to stop oral problems like cavities.

3. Oral probiotics can eliminate bad breath and halitosis

According to studies on dental probiotics for halitosis, effective probiotics may lessen the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that contribute to foul breath. In another trial, breath odor improved but VSC did not.

Mouthwash may not be a very effective treatment for foul breath for some people; if this is the case, oral probiotics might work better. That's because the majority of mouthwashes eliminate both healthy and harmful germs. Dental probiotics may prevent foul breath by lowering the halitosis-causing substances.

Another thing that causes bad breath are tonsil stones, and oral probiotics can help with these too.

4. Dental probiotics can help combat oral thrush and candidiasis

Oral candidiasis, often known as oral thrush, is a fungal condition in which the tongue develops white patches due to an overgrowth of the candida fungus (typically C. Albicans).

There may be burning, redness, and dry mouth. This fungus overgrowth is a typical sign that the oral microbiome is out of whack.

Stopping your child's intake of the sugars and carbohydrates that the candida yeast feeds on is the best strategy to treat this problem. High-quality oral probiotics may help prevent or treat oral thrush in conjunction with dietary changes.

Altering your diet will inhibit candida development since the bacteria won't have access to a sufficient food supply. Any lingering candida microorganisms will be driven away by the oral probiotic's invasion of helpful bacteria.

5. Oral probiotics to control gingivitis

Oral probiotics can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of gingivitis, and the early stages of gum disease. In a study, researchers gave 59 individuals with gingivitis a supplement containing either Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic, or a placebo.

Those who received the greatest dosage of probiotics had the most improvements in their gingivitis symptoms (inflamed, sensitive, or sore gums) after two weeks. They also had less plaque than usual.

Learn more about how probiotics work

To learn more about how probiotics work and what benefits they have, watch this video from The Gut Doctor.

What are the different types of probiotics available, and which ones should you take? Do all fermented foods classify as probiotics? Join Dr. Vincent Ho as he demystifies the often confusing world of probiotics. Leave a comment down below to be part of the discussion, and share the video with your friends if you found it useful! _____________________________________ The GutDr (Dr. Vincent Ho) is passionate about providing credible, accurate information about the gut, and educating people to maintain a healthy and happy gut. This YouTube channel will provide informational videos about the gut, and also answer your questions! Website: https://www.gutdr.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gutdrofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutdrofficial Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gutdrofficial _____________________________________ probiotic, fermentation, kimchi, sauerkraut, dosa, curtido, cortido, kombucha, yoghurt, cfu, colony forming units, microorganism, micro-organism, gutdr, gut dr, health, gut, stomach, capsules

The difference between dental probiotics for children and probiotics for adults

• Different Strains: Probiotics for children and adults can differ — the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium infantis is primarily utilized for newborns (as it helps break down lactic acid in breast milk). But the most common strains in adult probiotic supplements are Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus GG.
• Dosage and Potency: Probiotic supplements for children are mild and often used in dosages of one dosage (or tablet) each day, probiotic supplements for adults are more powerful and typically administered in dosages of two tablets per day.
• Supplement Type: The most common forms of probiotics for children include liquids, chewable tablets, and powders that may be added to meals. For adults, they are typically in the form of pills or capsules.

Best probiotics for kids

Let's have a look at the probiotics that are topping our lists, that you may want to consider adding to your child's daily oral hygiene routine.

cariPRO oral and sinus probiotics for kids

The cariPRO probiotics for kids are flavored one-a-day chewable tablets. According to the parent company, SmileBrilliant, they are clinically proven to support improved sinus and oral health in children.

These cariPRO dental probiotics for kids, which include BLIS K12 probiotics, are designed to help the mouth's microbiota recover its proper balance after brushing. They include high-quality strains that may inhibit the development of dangerous bacteria, including those that result in plaque, poor breath, and compromised immune systems.

These probiotics for kids are produced in the USA and have undergone thorough testing. Additionally, they are vegetarian, non-GMO, and free of soy, gluten, nuts, sugar, eggs, and artificial colors and flavors.

To use, children simply chew one tablet after brushing their teeth or using mouthwash. They should avoid rinsing after consuming probiotics. Before going to bed is the ideal time to chew a tablet.

If you're tempted to get these probiotics for your kids — there's nothing to lose! That's because they are safe, proven to work, and if you aren't totally satisfied with cariPRO probiotics — whether for adults or children — you can get a full refund.

And parents, you can find CariPRO's probiotics for adults here. You can also read more about adult oral probiotics in our separate article.

Renew Life probiotics for kids

• Type: Chewable tablets
• Age range: Ages 2 and up
• Active ingredients: Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve

This berry-flavored probiotic supplement for kids is made with 3 billion cultures and six probiotic strains and is intended to lessen sporadic digestive disturbances and improve immunological and dental health.

There are no dairy products, gluten, or sugar in the Renew Life Kids Probiotic. Additionally, they are free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and tastes.

Renew Life Kids Probiotic, according to the company's website, is extensively tested several times throughout the production process to guarantee purity and efficacy. However, no independent laboratory tests the product.

SmartyPants Kids Probiotic

• Type: Gummy bears
• Age range: Ages 3 and up
• Active ingredients: Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans

These strawberry-flavored gummies were created to help strengthen your child's immune system with everyday use and are free of artificial sweeteners.

This probiotic supplement for kids contains prebiotics and a combination of two probiotic strains, including Bacillus coagulans, which have been proven to strengthen immune function and improve digestive health.

Children should take this supplement twice daily with meals starting at age three.

Conclusion

You may enhance and maintain the health of your kid's oral microbiome by using oral probiotic supplements for children. In other words, these probiotic supplements assist in maintaining the equilibrium of the bacterial flora in one's mouth.

Both healthy and harmful bacteria live in our mouths, but sometimes the bad bacteria may outnumber the good bacteria, leading to issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and periodontitis. Oral probiotics include healthy bacterial strains that are already present in your mouth to support their development and well-being.

If you want some additional assistance improving your or your kid's oral health, you may want to consult a biological dentist about giving oral probiotics to your children. However, studies already have shown that individuals who take oral probiotics find improvements in areas like poor breath and gum health.

Since the majority of individuals may safely take them at the advised dose, you can also buy them over the counter and online.

If you want to give probiotics to your child, we recommend purchasing specific dental probiotics for kids specifically. CariPRO is an oral healthcare company that makes oral probiotics designed for your child's oral microbiome. There are also some good alternatives on Amazon such as the Renew Life Probiotics for kids and the SmartyPants Gummy Probiotics.

FAQ about oral probiotics for children

What is the difference between probiotics for adults and probiotics for kids?

Probiotics for adults and probiotics for kids work similarly. However, probiotic supplements for kids typically have different strains, different supplement types, and different dosages/potency.

When can kids start taking oral probiotics?

Your child's pediatrician will be able to advise you best, but oral probiotics for kids are typically safe to use from ages two or three and up, but each label will specify the age.