Many ingredients and options are available in the natural products industry scientifically proven to enhance oral health. From mouthwashes to toothpastes and ingredients such as probiotics, cranberry extract, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and more, it’s an exciting time for dental health product developers and manufacturers.
Periodontal disease is of great concern among consumers due to its connection to other chronic diseases. Probiotics, specifically heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum HK L-137, play a role in decreasing the depth of periodontal pockets and improving chronic periodontitis.
Other probiotics, such the Streptococcus salivarius strain, are commonly present in the mouths of healthy individuals. The Streptococcus salivarius strain possesses substances that protect against several pathogens including ones that cause strep throat, otitis media and halitosis/malodor. Its sister strain, Streptococcus salivarius M18, is beneficial against pathogens contributing to dental caries and gum disease.
For those with busy, active lifestyles, xylitol can be an effective ingredient to maintain oral health. It is not fermented by oral bacteria like dietary carbohydrates that cause pH to drop. Therefore, chewing xylitol-sweetened gum can improve oral hygiene. Xylitol inhibits the growth of some oral bacteria, reducing the amount of plaque and biofilm formed inside the mouth.
Betaine, an amino acid from sugar beets in the form of a mouthwash, has been clinically shown to improve dry mouth.
Vaccinium macrocarpon, a type of cranberry native to North America, naturally contains polyphenols and A-type proanthocyanidins (PACS), which have antibacterial properties and can have benefits on oral care. This cranberry’s extract can reduce salivary Streptococcus mutans and total bacterial count.
Acacia gum fiber offers anti-bacterial and plaque protection, in addition to protecting dental enamel integrity, while CoQ10 has shown promising effects on mild to moderate gingivitis.
Other natural ingredients—camu camu, green tea, neem, tea tree oil and vitamin D—have also shown antibacterial effects: resistance against dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as anti-inflammatory effects, in various clinical trials.
For more information, check out the article “Transform Oral Health with Natural Ingredients” in INSIDER’s Oral Health Digital Magazine.