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 Battrick She / 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.