Gum inflammation, medically known as gingivitis , affects a large portion of the adult population – often without the affected person noticing it immediately. What begins as mild bleeding gums can quickly develop into more serious periodontal disease if no countermeasures are taken. But brushing and flossing aren't the only way to combat it. New scientific findings show that the composition of our oral microbiome , the bacterial community in our mouth and throat, is crucial for the health of our gums.
A special focus is on a promising probiotic bacterium: Streptococcus salivarius M18 . This natural inhabitant of our mouth has the potential to eliminate pathogenic germs and relieve inflammation – without the use of harsh chemicals.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammatory reaction of the gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque—a biofilm that constantly forms on our teeth. If this film persists over time, an immune response occurs, manifesting as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.
Gingivitis is considered a precursor to periodontitis , a deeper inflammation that destroys the periodontal ligament and can lead to tooth loss in the long term. However, if detected early, gingivitis is easily treatable—often even completely reversible.
Typical symptoms of gingivitis
The symptoms of incipient gingivitis are often subtle. Many people only notice it when their gums bleed when brushing or become persistently sensitive. The most common signs include:
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Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
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Redness and swelling of the gum line
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Sensitivity or slight burning
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Bad breath (halitosis) that cannot be explained by diet
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Receding gums in advanced cases
The sooner these signals are recognized and taken seriously, the better complications can be avoided.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque . However, various factors can promote its formation or weaken the body's defenses:
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Poor oral hygiene
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Smoking , which inhibits blood flow to the gums
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Hormonal changes , such as during pregnancy or puberty
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Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus
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Certain medications , such as immunosuppressants or antiepileptics
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Stress that affects the immune system
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Unbalanced diet with high sugar content
These factors change the composition of the oral microbiome – an aspect that was long underestimated but is now increasingly coming into focus.
The oral microbiome – an underestimated protective shield
Our mouth is anything but sterile. More than 700 different species of microorganisms thrive here, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The majority of these microorganisms live in a symbiotic relationship with humans and perform important functions: They assist with pre-digestion, prevent the colonization of pathogens, and stimulate the local immune system.
But as in any ecosystem, balance is key. If the oral microbiome becomes unbalanced—for example, due to excess sugar, antibiotics, poor oral hygiene, or stress—pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis or Fusobacterium nucleatum gain the upper hand. They produce aggressive enzymes and toxins that attack the gum tissue and promote inflammation.
A disturbed microbiome is therefore not just a side effect, but often the actual cause of chronic gum problems.
From cleansing to regeneration – modern strategies against gingivitis
Conventional treatment for gingivitis primarily involves removing plaque—either through professional teeth cleaning or improved oral hygiene at home. Antibacterial mouthwashes (e.g., with chlorhexidine) are also used, but these often have side effects such as taste disturbances or discoloration.
In recent years, alternative and complementary approaches have emerged:
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Use of essential oils with antimicrobial effects
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Photodynamic therapy that specifically destroys bacteria
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Laser treatments that reach deeper gum pockets
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Probiotics that specifically modulate the microbiome
The latter are particularly interesting because they focus not on destruction but on restoring the natural balance – a paradigm shift in periodontics.
Probiotics for oral health – natural, effective and well-tolerated
Probiotics have so far been primarily associated with intestinal health. However, we now know that oral flora can also be positively influenced by live microorganisms . These so-called oral probiotics establish themselves in the oral cavity, displacing pathogenic germs by competing for nutrients and attachment sites, and modulating immunological processes in the gums.
Strains from the genus Streptococcus salivarius have proven particularly effective – a natural, non-pathogenic inhabitant of the oral cavity, which is found in large numbers on the tongue, throat and gums of healthy people.
Streptococcus salivarius M18 – a beacon of hope for healthy gums
Streptococcus salivarius M18 is a specially selected strain that is able to fight pathogenic bacteria in the mouth – not through aggression, but through intelligent micromanagement.
This probiotic strain was originally isolated from the saliva of particularly healthy individuals. What makes it so special is its ability to produce so-called bacteriocins – natural antimicrobial peptides that specifically inhibit pathogenic germs such as Streptococcus mutans or P. gingivalis without destroying the entire microbiome.
Scientifically proven effects of S. salivarius M18:
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Reduction of dental plaque by inhibiting plaque-forming organisms
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Improve gum health by reducing inflammatory markers
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Neutralization of acids that are produced by sugar breakdown and attack the gums
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Formation of enzymes that break down harmful metabolic products of other bacteria
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Promotes a stable, healthy bioflora throughout the oral cavity
Clinical studies have shown that subjects who took S. salivarius M18 daily for several weeks – usually in the form of lozenges – experienced significantly reduced gingivitis intensity , less tartar, and less bad breath. The effect was not invasive, but rather regulating – in the sense of biological restoration.
Application and dosage
S. salivarius M18 is available in several over-the-counter supplements. The recommended use is usually:
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As a lozenge (ideal retention time in the mouth)
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Once a day , preferably in the evening after brushing your teeth
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For at least 30 days , as the microbiome stabilizes only slowly
The medication is generally well tolerated by adults and children as long as there is no immunosuppression or relevant allergies.
Oral health is systemic health
Gingivitis is not a purely local problem. Chronic inflammation in the mouth is associated with systemic diseases such as:
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Cardiovascular diseases
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Diabetes mellitus
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Premature births in pregnant women
Healthy gums are more than just a beautiful smile—they're an essential component of holistic health . The oral microbiome acts as the first barrier against pathogens and influences numerous processes throughout the body.
Conclusion: New ways to gum health – with microbes for microbes
Gingivitis is a widespread but treatable problem. In addition to proven hygiene measures and dental care, modern microbiome research is opening up new, gentle ways to restore oral balance. Streptococcus salivarius M18 is an example of a new generation of probiotic helpers that not only alleviate symptoms but also target the underlying causes in the microbial balance .
Anyone suffering from recurring gum problems or seeking long-term oral health stability should consider supplementing their oral care routine with a probiotic supplement. Scientifically sound, well-tolerated, and naturally effective—a promising approach that not only combats but also prevents gum inflammation.
