Who hasn't experienced this: You brush your teeth and suddenly the foam turns pink? Bleeding gums are a warning sign for many people – and indeed, they should take it seriously. It's usually caused by gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can develop into periodontitis. Treatment usually involves thorough brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. But in recent years, a new approach has come into focus: probiotics.
What many people have previously only known from the gastrointestinal tract seems to be of interest to the oral cavity as well. Certain strains of bacteria can help restore balance in the mouth and reduce inflammation. The strain Streptococcus salivarius M18 is particularly exciting. But how exactly does it work—and can it actually help control bleeding gums?
How probiotics work in the mouth
To understand why probiotics are so interesting for gums, it's worth taking a look at the processes in the mouth. Our oral cavity is a small ecosystem inhabited by millions of bacteria. Some are beneficial, others can cause problems. If this balance is disrupted, plaque builds up, gums become inflamed, and bleeding occurs.
Probiotics act like friendly helpers here. They can colonize surfaces in the mouth where harmful germs would otherwise thrive, leaving less room for the "bad" bacteria. Some probiotics also produce substances that directly inhibit harmful microorganisms. You could say they defend their position while simultaneously protecting the gums.
Probiotics also influence the immune system. Inflammatory processes are often reduced, which in turn reduces gum swelling and bleeding. Some bacteria can even stabilize the pH level in the mouth. This is important because caries and periodontitis bacteria have a hard time thriving in a more acidic environment.
Streptococcus salivarius M18 – a specialist for gums
The strain Streptococcus salivarius M18 is receiving particular attention. It occurs naturally in the mouths of some people and is considered extremely gentle on teeth and gums.
What's special about M18 is that it produces so-called BLIS (bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances). These are small proteins that can specifically inhibit bacteria that cause gingivitis. At the same time, M18 can reduce plaque and thus lower the risk of bleeding gums.
Studies have shown that people who sucked on lozenges containing M18 for several weeks experienced significantly less bleeding gums and less plaque. Interestingly, however, the effect only lasted as long as the probiotic was taken. As soon as people stopped taking it, the condition returned after a while. This suggests that regular use is necessary for long-term benefits.
Learn more about Streptococcus salivarius M18 here.
Other probiotics for gums
In addition to M18, other bacteria were also studied. Lactobacillus reuteri , for example, is a strain that has long been used for oral health. It is often found in chewing gum or lozenges. Studies show that it can reduce bleeding gums and plaque in the short term.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 have also been shown in studies to reduce gum inflammation. These strains are generally somewhat less effective than M18, but can be beneficial in combination.
Comparison of the strains
To make the differences clearer, a short overview helps:
| Probiotic | Main effect | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Streptococcus salivarius M18 | Less bleeding, less plaque | Forms protective proteins (BLIS) |
| Lactobacillus reuteri | Anti-inflammatory, plaque reduction | Often found in chewing gum or lozenges |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG & Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 | Reduce inflammation levels | Especially tested for incipient gingivitis |
What studies show – explained clearly
Several studies have investigated the use of probiotics for bleeding gums. In one study, participants took lozenges containing M18 daily for three months. The result: Gum bleeding was significantly reduced, and plaque also decreased noticeably. However, once the intake was stopped, bleeding gradually recurred.
In another study, young adults were treated with M18 for four weeks. Here, too, gingivitis decreased, although not as significantly as in the longer study. This shows that patience and consistency are important.
In patients with periodontitis—a more advanced form of gum disease—M18 could be used in addition to standard treatment. The combination produced better results than standard therapy alone: less bleeding, shallower gum pockets, and fewer harmful germs.
How to use probiotics practically
Those who want to try probiotics for oral health usually find them in the form of lozenges or chewing gum. The idea is that the bacteria can stay in the mouth and establish themselves there for as long as possible. Therefore, you should let them dissolve slowly in your mouth, ideally after brushing your teeth and before going to bed.
Typically, use lasts at least one to three months. Many people notice less sensitive gums after just a few weeks. However, to maintain the long-lasting effect, you shouldn't stop taking it immediately.
Products containing Streptococcus salivarius M18 are often available under names like "BLIS M18." Combinations with other strains are also possible. It's important to pay attention to the bacteria contained in the label—not every "oral probiotic" automatically contains the active strain.
What probiotics can't do
As promising as the results are, one thing is clear: probiotics are no substitute for traditional dental care. Anyone who thinks they can skip brushing with a lozenge will be disappointed. Professional dental cleanings remain important, especially if periodontitis is already present.
Probiotics should be viewed more as a supplement—an additional aid to relieve bleeding gums and balance the oral flora. They could be compared to a protective shield that supports daily efforts.
Who are probiotics suitable for?
In principle, almost all adults with gum problems can benefit from probiotics. Their use is particularly beneficial for people who are prone to recurrent bleeding gums despite good oral hygiene. Those with periodontitis who want to do something in addition to standard treatment can also benefit from these little helpers.
For children, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems, the use of the product should be discussed with a dentist or doctor beforehand. While side effects are rare, careful use isn't harmful.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums are a serious sign that shouldn't be ignored. In addition to thorough dental care and professional support, probiotics offer an exciting new approach. The Streptococcus salivarius M18 strain, in particular, has shown convincing results in studies: less bleeding, less plaque, and healthier gums.
However, regular intake is necessary for the effects to last. Probiotics are best combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. This creates a comprehensive program that strengthens oral health in the long term.
