Reasons to add L. reuteri to your dental patient recommendations

How L. reuteri helps in dental treatment

We all have patients who, regardless of our tireless home care guidance, just cannot seem to grasp the techniques, or they simply lack the motivation to perform adequate oral hygiene at home. While we wrack our brains trying to find a way to get them to understand, we may have a secret weapon.

We all have preferred tools to help perio patients, such as an electric toothbrush and water flosser. But now we can add an oral probiotic for extra support for these patients. Medically compromised patients, such as those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and others, need something beyond an electric brush and water flosser, which can be difficult to navigate.

How about the teens with gingivitis? The kids with sensory processing disorders? All of these difficulties make standard oral care difficult and allow those sneaky yet dangerous bacteria to throw a party in the mouth.

I understand that introducing an oral probiotic can be intimidating for some hygienists. Asking your patients to buy a bottle of what looks like a mint and advertise it as a cure-all may be far reaching, but it’s all about the delivery. Start with a hook such as, “Hey, I have an easier way to reduce the bacteria in your mouth so you can have less bleeding and discomfort in your gums. It’s inexpensive and fast to use.” I mean, that would get me interested!

Discussing the use of this oral probiotic is all about educating patients in terms they understand, such as low cost, ease, and efficiency. L. reuteri is available in drops and tablets. I suggest that patients leave this product by their nightstands and make it the last thing they have at night after brushing and flossing.

Another interesting thing I find is asking whether patients struggle with morning breath. We all know it—that rank smell we have upon waking, and when we realize it’s coming from our mouth we rush to brush. This is something everyone can relate to and likely would like to change. This was the biggest change I saw when I used this product as a patient with no gingivitis or periodontal disease. With a healthy mouth, I still suffered with morning breath, and the only way I was able to change this was with an oral probiotic. While we see this as a beneficial adjunct for periodontal patients, healthy patients can also reap the rewards.

Introducing L. reuteri to patients is not about replacing the fundamentals—it’s about enhancing them. As dental professionals, we aim to provide science-based solutions that fit into patients’ everyday lives. With its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and probiotic benefits, L. reuteri offers a powerful adjunct to traditional oral home care methods, making it an excellent option for those struggling with compliance, physical limitations, or persistent oral health challenges.

Whether supporting periodontal therapy, reducing morning breath, or offering an accessible solution for hard-to-reach patients, this tiny but mighty bacteria has earned its place in the conversation. By staying informed and open to innovation, we can empower patients with new tools that make a real difference, one microscopic ally at a time.