Advancing Preventative Dentistry with Functional Beverages: A Guide for Dental Professionals
Preventative dentistry is a foundational pillar of long-term oral health. From routine check-ups to home hygiene routines, its primary aim is to reduce the risk of conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and halitosis. As the field evolves, there's growing interest in how functional beverages—specifically those containing prebiotics—can complement traditional oral hygiene strategies.
What Are Functional Beverages and Prebiotics?
Functional beverages are non-alcoholic drinks that offer health benefits beyond basic hydration. These may include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or bioactive compounds such as prebiotics—non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial bacteria in the body.
While prebiotics are often associated with gut health, recent evidence supports their role in promoting a healthy oral microbiome. A stable and diverse microbiota in the mouth helps suppress the overgrowth of harmful bacteria linked to plaque, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
The Role of Prebiotics in Oral Health
Supporting the Oral Microbiome
Research shows that prebiotics can encourage the growth of commensal (beneficial) bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic strains like Streptococcus mutans, which is implicated in dental caries.
According to a 2024 article published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, prebiotics may help shift the oral microbiota toward a health-associated state, reducing inflammation and plaque formation (source).
Another study highlights how oral prebiotic intervention helped improve salivary pH and microbial diversity, both indicators of better oral health (EnvironMed, 2023).
Improving Patient Outcomes
Supporting the oral microbiome through diet or supplements may lead to better patient outcomes, particularly for those prone to:
- Plaque and tartar build-up
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Dry mouth
These conditions are often exacerbated by a dysbiotic (imbalanced) microbiome.
How Dental Professionals Can Use Functional Beverages in Practice
A Tool for Patient Education
Recommending prebiotic functional drinks as a complement—not a replacement—to brushing and flossing can be an effective way to:
- Promote oral health between visits
- Address patient concerns like dry mouth and bad breath
- Encourage hydration, which supports salivary flow and neutralises acids
A 2022 review in Nutrients emphasised that saliva stimulated through hydration and proper diet plays a crucial protective role in maintaining enamel and gum health (source).
Practical Applications
These drinks can be particularly helpful for:
- Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (e.g. aligners or braces)
- Individuals at higher risk of caries or periodontitis
- Elderly patients experiencing dry mouth due to medications
How SmileSip Can Support Your Patients’ Oral Health
SmileSip contains science backed ingredients, and is an Australian-made prebiotic oral health drink mix specifically designed to support everyday oral hygiene. It offers a simple, convenient solution for patients who want to actively maintain a healthier mouth—especially between dental visits.
Key Benefits of SmileSip:
- Prebiotics to nourish good oral bacteria
- pH-neutral formulation to help reduce enamel erosion risk
- Xylitol, a sugar alcohol that has been shown to reduce Streptococcus mutans and plaque formation
- Natural Colours and Flavours
- Vegan
- No Preservatives
- Safe for pregnancy
Dental professionals can recommend SmileSip as a supportive measure for improving oral hygiene, freshening breath, and promoting salivary health—all with the ease of a delicious, functional drink.