Study: Probiotics May Be Good for Your Teeth

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in our intestines and help keep our immune systems strong.

Previous research has shown probiotics are good for the gut, but now a new Spanish study finds they may also be terrific for your teeth.

In the study, people who drank probiotic milk had a significant decrease in cavities over seven months.

What's more, when probiotics were applied straight to the gum, volunteers had a reduction gum disease, as well.

Researchers say probiotics seem to not only increase resistance to infectious diseases, relieve an upset stomach and reduce allergy symptoms, but may one day help improve oral health, too.

Probiotics occur naturally in a variety of foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Food makers are also adding probiotics to more and more foods, and, of course, they're available in supplement form.