Benefits Of Spirulina For The Mouth: How It Can Help With Oral Health

Article at a glance:

Spirulina is a blue-green algae superfood found in freshwater and saltwater bodies worldwide.
Spirulina offers many health benefits because of its rich nutritional profile. Its many benefits include maintaining oral and dental health.
It can also help with mouth sores and may help fight off oral cancer.

What does spirulina do for the mouth? It’s a superfood widely known for its nutritional and health benefits. But can you take spirulina for mouth health?

This popular supplement is famous for being rich in vitamins, minerals, and many other healthy compounds. With it, it can help maintain our overall head. Spirulina supplementation helps lower our risk of many health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases. But did you know that it also maintains the health of our mouths?

Want to know how spirulina can benefit your mouth and dental health? Learn more about this superfood by reading on.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) is a popular supplement that comes from cyanobacteria or blue-green algae that grows in both fresh- and saltwater bodies. Chock full of nutrients, many people add this dietary supplement to their nutrition plan thanks to its many healthy compounds.

A long list of studies has shown that regular spirulina consumption can provide many health benefits. These include cardiovascular disease prevention, better immune function, and more.

Spirulina’s Nutritional Profile

Spirulina has a litany of nutritious compounds that it can provide our bodies to maintain health. Curious to know some of them? Here’s the USDA’s profile on spirulina, enumerating some of the nutrients this superfood can provide:

Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Niacin
Omega-3 and Omega-6 (essential fatty acids)
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein
Riboflavin
Thiamin

What Are the Causes of Poor Oral Health?

Poor oral health can result from a combination of various factors, including both individual behaviors and genetic predispositions. Here are some common causes of poor oral health:

Poor Dental Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing can accumulate plaque and tartar on your teeth. There is a higher chance of developing gum disease and cavities.
Dietary Habits: Consuming excessive sugary or acidic foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, a diet lacking in essential nutrients can weaken teeth and gums.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and using tobacco products can lead to gum disease, tooth discoloration, and an increased risk of oral cancer.
Alcohol Consumption: This can lead to dry mouth, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Alcohol can also irritate oral tissues.
Poorly Managed Stress: Chronic stress can lead to teeth grinding. This wears down teeth and causes jaw pain.
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, can negatively impact oral health. Medications for various conditions can also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities.
Genetics: Genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to gum disease and tooth decay.
Inadequate Dental Care: Infrequent dental check-ups and cleanings can result in undetected or untreated oral health problems.
Age: As people age, they may be more susceptible to specific oral health issues, such as tooth loss and gum disease.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, like during pregnancy and menopause, can increase women’s risk of gum disease and dry mouth.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, like excessive fluoride or lead, can negatively affect oral health.

Spirulina Benefits for Teeth and Mouth Health

Here’s a list of how spirulina can improve your oral health:

1. Spirulina for Mouth Cancer Lesions

Thanks to its anti-cancer benefits, spirulina supplements can help with oral cancer.

In a 1995 placebo-controlled clinical trial, spirulina’s benefits for pre-cancerous lesions in a person’s mouth were observed. The study involved two groups of individuals with pre-cancerous mouth lesions, one took spirulina regularly, while the other received a placebo. In the study, it was observed that 45% of the participants in the spirulina group experienced complete regression of the lesions as opposed to 7% in the placebo group.

Apart from this, spirulina is also rich in beta carotene and other antioxidants like chlorophyll, which can help ward off several types of cancer, not just oral cancer, by fighting free radical damage.

2. Spirulina for Mouth Ulcers and Sores

What is good to heal mouth sores?

Are you one who gets mouth ulcers and sores too frequently? You’re in luck since spirulina is an easy supplement to use for oral diseases such as this.

A 2015 study observed spirulina as an herbal treatment for oral submucous fibrosis (mouth ulcers and sores) and compared it to aloe vera. For the study, one group took spirulina while another used aloe vera. The study observed that spirulina supplementation helped reduce and heal the participants’ oral ulcers and sores.

3. Spirulina for Teeth and Gums

Is spirulina good for teeth? Is spirulina good for your gums?

Yes, you can use spirulina for healthy teeth and gums!

The benefits of spirulina supplements for your mouth don’t stop at just healing lesions; they also include improving your dental health, especially those with chronic periodontitis.

Did you know that spirulina can help with dental plaque and gingivitis?

In 2013, a research trial was conducted to observe spirulina’s dental and oral benefits. In particular, the study wanted to see if spirulina may help treat and reduce the risk of having a gum disease.

The study involved applying topical spirulina gel to 33 of 64 sites of gum disease following a scaling and root planing procedure.

According to the study, the depth of the gum pockets of all 64 gum pocket sites improved, but researchers have observed that the spirulina sites fared significantly better.

In connection with this, another study observed spirulina mouthwash, and it found that spirulina-laced mouthwash can aid in minimizing the occurrence of dental plaque and gum disease.

Other Spirulina Benefits for the Body

Your mouth is just one part of your body that spirulina can help. Apart from this, it can also help maintain overall health in different aspects. Here are some of spirulina’s other potential health benefits.

Can help fight inflammation: This superfood is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a popular supplement for people with allergic rhinitis and other health issues triggered by the body’s immune response.
Has anti-microbial properties: Yes, spirulina can help fight harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. It can help stop the overgrowth of fungi like candida.
May reduce the risk of having cancer: Oral cancer isn’t the only type of cancer that spirulina can help with. Studies have found that thanks to its antioxidant properties, spirulina can help reduce a person’s risk of getting different types of cancer.
Maintains a healthy immune system: This superfood is popular for helping produce white blood cells, which help boost the body’s immune function.
Averts cardiovascular diseases: Spirulina has many benefits that help your overall cardiovascular health. It helps lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure by helping your body’s production of nitric oxide.
Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels: Spirulina is one of the best supplements you can get if you have diabetes mellitus, as it can help lower blood glucose levels and minimize the symptoms of diabetes.
Helps you lose weight: Spirulina’s dense nutritional profile also helps you maintain a healthy body weight. It does so by helping minimize cravings due to its protein content.

How to Take Spirulina for Healthy Teeth and Mouth

Want to take spirulina for your oral and dental health? Luckily, this supplement is quite easy to find.

Usually, many health food stores and online retailers sell this blue-green algae as powders and tablets. However, for mouth health, do know that topical spirulina, specifically for dental health, might be harder to find.

Is There a Specific Spirulina Dosage for Oral Health?

The best way to get a more targeted nutritional regimen with spirulina is to consult a healthcare provider.

However, in general, it’s recommended to take 3 to 3.5 grams of spirulina daily.

Can you brush your teeth with spirulina? When it comes to dental care spirulina products, the formula might be better left to professionals.

While not as common as their supplement form, more and more manufacturers have started creating personal care products with spirulina as an ingredient.

Tips on How to Improve and Maintain Oral Health

Proper oral care is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene. So apart from taking spirulina to help with mouth health, here are some key ways to care for your mouth, teeth, and gums:

Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings with a dentist or dental hygienist. These appointments help identify and address issues early, prevent dental problems, and remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush gently but thoroughly for about two minutes.
Flossing: Make it a daily habit to use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque – a toothbrush cannot reach – between your teeth and along the gumline. Proper flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth, strengthen teeth, and freshen breath. Follow the instructions on the product label.
Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
Stay Hydrated: Stay well-hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day. This supports the production of saliva, which aids in rinsing away food particles and safeguarding against tooth decay.
Limit Sugary Snacks: Reduce the frequency of snacking on sugary or sticky foods, as they can promote tooth decay. Choose healthier options like fruits, vegetables, or nuts if you snack.
Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and using tobacco products can harm teeth and gums, increasing the risk of oral cancer.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Always drinking alcohol can contribute to dry mouth and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Proper Toothbrush Care: Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months or sooner if bristles become frayed. Rinse your toothbrush after every use. Store upright to air dry.

Regular and consistent oral hygiene practices and professional dental care can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Supplements Build Strong Teeth?

Other than spirulina, other supplements can help build strong teeth.

The essential nutrients you need to look out for include Vitamins C and D for good gum health, Vitamin A for helping clean your teeth, calcium for maintaining strong teeth, and phosphorus for helping protect and repair tooth enamel.

Does Spirulina Cause Dry Mouth?

Now, you may ask, “Can you brush your teeth with spirulina?” Worry no longer if you’re having doubts because it may cause dry mouth.

No, spirulina doesn’t cause dry mouth. It’s generally safe to use, and most adverse effects rarely happen, mainly for people with underlying issues.

Can I Use Spirulina for Mouth Odor?

Yes! One of the main causes of bad breath is poor dental hygiene and gum disease. Spirulina helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, so by solving this issue, your mouth odor will also improve.

Keeping Your Mouth, Teeth, and Gums Healthy

Spirulina supplements are popular because they help you address many health issues in different areas of the body. Unsurprisingly, this also includes your oral and dental health.

Need some help with oral and dental issues? Try using spirulina for mouth health!