Why Optimal Dental Health Prioritise Antibiotic Alternatives
At our holistic dental practice in Baker Street, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the teeth and gums. This means that everything we do at Optimal Dental Health is centered on supporting not only your oral health, but also your overall wellbeing.
One important way we do this is by being very mindful about the use of antibiotics for our patients.
Why We Use Alternatives to Antibiotics Whenever Possible
Antibiotics have undoubtedly saved lives and continue to play an essential role in modern medicine. However, as a society, we’ve grown increasingly reliant on them, sometimes using them as a first line of defense instead of a last resort.
Over time, this has contributed to antibiotic resistance, gut microbiome imbalances, and other unintended health consequences.
In dentistry, antibiotics are often prescribed for infections, extractions and preventive reasons. But here’s the truth, many of these situations can be managed just as effectively (and often more safely) with alternative, holistic approaches.
That’s why, at Optimal Dental Health, we only use antibiotics when they are truly necessary, for example, in cases of severe infection or when a patient’s systemic health requires it.
Instead, we explore natural and non-invasive alternatives where possible, including:
- Ozone therapy
- Oral Probiotics from Optibac
- Targeted nutrition and immune support plans with our in-house nutritionist.
- Homeopathic remedies, including products from Ainsworths Homeopathy.
- Saltwater rinses
These alternatives not only address the issue at hand, but also support the body’s ability to heal itself without disrupting its natural balance.
Helping to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
One of the most pressing global health concerns today is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), when bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them.
This is largely driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. As a dental practice, we recognise our responsibility in this growing crisis. By using antibiotics only when absolutely necessary and exploring effective, natural alternatives wherever possible, we contribute to reducing unnecessary exposure to this powerful medication.
We educate our patients and discuss when antibiotics are truly needed, and offer support like Optibac Probiotics when they are. Every conscious decision to avoid overprescribing is a small but vital step in the global fight against AMR.
When Antibiotics Are Needed, We Support Your Gut Too
There are times when antibiotics are the best or only option. When this happens, we don’t stop at simply writing a prescription. We support you holistically through the entire healing process, and this includes protecting your gut health wherever we can.
That’s why we use and recommend Optibac ‘For Those on Antibiotics’, a specially formulated probiotic designed to be taken alongside a course of antibiotics if you are prescribed them.
What Is Optibac ‘For Those on Antibiotics’?
Optibac is a well-respected brand in the world of probiotics, trusted by both practitioners and patients. Their “For Those on Antibiotics” product contains the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, both of which are extensively researched and proven to survive antibiotic treatment and reach the gut alive.
Unlike many probiotics, this formulation is designed not to be killed off by the antibiotics themselves, so it can do its job effectively while you’re undergoing treatment at Optimal Dental Health.
Benefits of Taking Optibac Probiotics During Antibiotic Use
Protects Gut Flora
Antibiotics can’t distinguish between harmful bacteria and the beneficial microbes that live in your gut. This can lead to imbalances, commonly resulting in digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or even long-term dysbiosis. Optibac helps maintain a healthy gut flora during and after antibiotic use.
Supports Your Immune Function
A significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut. By preserving the microbiome, Optibac helps maintain a strong immune response during recovery.
Reduces Risk of Candida Overgrowth
Antibiotic use can sometimes encourage fungal overgrowth, like thrush. Probiotics help maintain a balanced internal environment, which can minimize the risk.
Improves Your Overall Digestive Health
Even if you don’t experience overt symptoms, antibiotics can alter gut motility and digestion. Probiotics support smoother, more efficient digestion.
May Reduce Post-Antibiotic Fatigue and Inflammation
Gut imbalances can lead to systemic symptoms such as fatigue, inflammation, and even mood changes. By supporting the gut, Optibac helps reduce these post-antibiotic aftershocks.
Why Does Gut Health Matter in Dentistry?
You may be wondering, what does gut health have to do with dental care? Quite a lot, actually.
The mouth and the gut are part of the same digestive tract and are intimately connected. In fact, the health of your gut can impact the following:
- Oral microbiome balance (helping to prevent gum disease and decay)
- Inflammation levels (key in gum health and healing)
- Immune response to dental infections or treatments
- Nutrient absorption (which affects tissue repair, bone strength, and more)
When we support your gut during antibiotic treatment, we are also indirectly supporting your oral recovery, your immune resilience, and your long-term overall wellness.
A Holistic Approach You Can Feel Good About
At Optimal Dental Health, we don’t just treat problems, we aim to prevent them and to treat root causes rather than symptoms. That’s the foundation of holistic care. And in doing so, we treat your body as a whole ecosystem, not a set of disconnected parts.
By minimising unnecessary antibiotics and offering gut-supporting probiotics like Optibac, we protect more than your smile, we help protect your future health.
If you’re due for a dental visit, dealing with a potential infection, or considering treatment and have concerns about antibiotic use or gut health, we’re here to guide you through your options.
We’re proud to be a practice that cares deeply about your whole-body health, and we think you deserve nothing less.
Get in touch with us today:
Call our friendly team at Optimal Dental Health on 020 3921 1000 or drop us an email at hello@optimaldental.co.uk – We can’t wait to see you.
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