Prebiotics, Probotics, Postbiotics, & Paraprobiotics: Whats the difference?
Good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing. In addition to regular dental visits and a good routine, maintaining a balanced diet and caring for your oral microbiome can be game-changing to your oral health and overall well-being.
A growing body of research has shed light on the crucial role of our oral microbiome, but how do we maintain it?
This article aims to demystify the terms prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and paraprobiotics, and explore how they can be utilized to support oral health.
What’s the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and paraprobiotics?
With more information circulating the internet, magazines and news about prebotics, probiotics and the importance for our microbiomes, we want to shed light on any confusion between the terms.
Prebiotics: Nurturing the Good Guys
Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers that serve as a food source for beneficial bacteria in our microbiome.
By selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics promote a healthy microbial balance.

A common prebiotic is aloe vera. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, anthraquinones, and acemannan. Aloe vera can be found in all Truthpaste toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Probiotics: The Good Bacteria Army
Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are among the most common probiotic strains used in oral health formulations.
These beneficial bacteria can help balance the oral microbiome, prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria, and support the body's natural defenses.
Postbiotics: The Hidden Helpers
Postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts of probiotics or other microorganisms.
They include various compounds such as organic acids, enzymes, peptides, and antimicrobial substances.
These substances play a significant role in modulating the host's immune response, reducing inflammation, and promoting oral health.
Paraprobiotics: The Inactive Allies
Paraprobiotics refer to non-viable, heat-treated probiotic bacteria or their cellular components.
While they do not possess live microorganisms, paraprobiotics can still have beneficial effects on the host by stimulating the immune system and promoting a balanced oral microbiome.
Research suggests that paraprobiotics may have advantages in terms of stability and safety, as they eliminate the risk of introducing live bacteria.
Our mouthwash contains a non-viable strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, carefully formulated to:
- promote a healthy oral microbiome
- sooth the oral cavity
- strengthen the oral musosa barrier
- and protect against harmful bacteria and gum issues
![]() Marisa BattrickShe / Her |
Marisa has spent the past nine years researching and developing oral care. During that time she has worked with cosmetic scientists and formulators, and developed expertise in the intricacies of ingredient compatibility. She is passionate about harnessing the benefits of natural ingredients to improve oral health. Her favourite ingredients are neem and aloe vera, and her most used Truthpaste products are Peppermint & Wintergreen and Probiotic Mouthwash. |
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from 2347 reviewsExcellent toothpaste. Great taste and has improved my gum health
Cleaner, brighter teeth. Product cleans well and tastes good.
This product is amazing and I love it!
So so good for you, and does what it says on the tin. Im so glad I found this toothpaste.
Having bought this bundle for us, our youngest daughter discovered four teeth required filling following her most recent visit to the dentist. We've already experienced improvements with using these products, so were delighted to buy this second bundle for her birthday. Already looking forward to hearing her verdict!
I am finding that my teeth feel really clean.. and my mouth feels very fresh.
This is my 2nd purchase of the Enamel Repair Mask, and I've also now bought a jar for my son to try.
I decided to wait until I'd had my check-up with the dentist before reviewing.
So, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I needed no follow up appointment after my check-up.
My dentist's words to me were, "Whatever you are doing, keep doing it".
I also use the Hydroxiapatite 'truthpaste' and mouthwash (fluoride free). So, it would appear that both do exactly as advertised!
I would highly recommend ❤️.
I’ve been using truthpaste for getting towards 2 years now
and since using it, I’ve never had a mouth ulcer, if I bite my mouth the sore only last a couple of days unlike the 10 day mouth ulcers 👍
I prefer the charcoal and peppermint out of the different flavours
After being told I need to see a hygienist due to having the beginning of gum disease, an email landed in my inbox advertising this toothpaste. I figured it was worth a try and I am so glad I did. I am only 4 days in to using it and my mouth feels so much better already!
The taste and texture will take a little getting used to but totally worth it for what i think is an amazing product
It is more liquid than the other one I was using and easier to rinse out. Just not sure about the charcoal which is very visible. I presume there are benefits for using charcoal. It is really great to have a toothpaste that is not toxic.
this is some strong stuff, has some thickness to it too, did not snap doing all my teeth! very happy with it
I’ve been using this for a few years now and it’s fantastic! It’s fresh, leaves your mouth super clean and there’s no nasties in it at all which is even better! I’ve just signed up to get it on subscription as I’m confident I’ll be using it forever!
Takes a little getting used to texture wise but it’s great, got the paste and the mouthwash. No complaints so far. I love the mintiness. 😊
I cannot recommend highly enough this product. Ive tried many toothpastes over 20 years and this one really is the gold standard of natural toothpastes
Fab product - no bleeding gums & lovely clean teeth. Excellent to use after lunch to maintain dental hygiene. Even able to extend the time between hygienist appointments as they are so clean. Highly recommend.

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