Probiotics have been around for a little while now. They can be found in such things as yogurt, granola, infant formula, juices, pill form and even in my beloved Miso. So what exactly is a probiotic and why do we need them? A probiotic, from my understanding, is a friendly bacteria that can provide health benefits to the person using it in adequate amounts. It is most often recognized for its role in the digestive tract as it helps to aid in digestion, and since it is considered a live microorganism, it helps the body defend itself against the unfriendly bacterias that invade our bodies. That's the theory behind it anyhow. It is said that our generation is "too clean". We sterilize everything so well that our body is not introduced to many forms of bacteria. Sounds good, however, our body actually needs some of this bacteria in our body as it helps to keep us healthy. That is why it is encouraged to let the kids play in the dirt....this way they are exposed to the healthy bacterias at a young age and able to have a defense system in place before an unhealthy bacteria makes its presence. Let them get dirty Mom!! You're actually keeping them healthy!
There is a product on the market called
EvoraPlus, which is designed to introduce these friendly bacterias into our mouths to combat halitosis (otherwise known as bad breath). Halitosis is generally caused from unfriendly bacteria living in our mouths. By introducing friendly bacteria, EvoraPlus helps to create a natural balance in our mouths, which helps to eliminate bad breath.
The website explains it as such:
When EvoraPlus® melts on the tongue, the freeze-dried probiotics activate and attach themselves to the teeth and gum tissue, establishing colonies of live, active beneficial bacteria both on the surface of the teeth and deep beneath the gum line. These colonies compete for both nutrients and space with the harmful oral bacteria that disrupt gum and tooth health, as well as cause bad breath.
In the mouth, the harmful bacteria convert sugar and carbohydrates into lactic acid. Lactic acid is the bacterial by-product which is responsible for a decline in dental health. The Standard American Diet promotes the ongoing conversion to lactic acid by providing a constant source of simple carbohydrates for bacterial cell growth, thus creating a situation for even greater imbalance in oral micro flora. With daily replenishment, the ProBiora3® beneficial bacteria used in EvoraPlus helps to reestablish the natural microbial balance in the mouth for healthy gums and teeth, fresher breath and whiter teeth.
I was sent a package of EvoraPlus, which is developed by Oragenics Chief Scientific Officer- Dr. Jeffery Hillman, for the purpose of this review. It comes in a package of 60 mints and since it is recommend to use twice daily, it will be enough to last one person for a month. It is easy to use. The instructions for use read:
Use twice daily. For best results, use after brushing teeth. Allow the EvoraPlus probiotic mint to completely melt in the mouth for optimal effect.
Told you it was easy! The only problem I had was letting it "melt" in my mouth and resisting the urge to chew it. The taste is pleasant. It is not strong like an Altoid would be, nor is it as minty as a Tic Tac would be. I would say it had a hint of mint. The texture is a little different and might take a bit of getting accustomed to, as when it starts to dissolve it does get a bit crumbly and slightly chalky, in my opinion. I found that if I let it dissolve in my cheek area, that I didn't notice the texture as much. I am one cannot stand funky textures on my tongue, so if you are like me, that's one solution. My husband, who doesn't have that funky texture aversion, says he didn't notice anything about the texture being odd, so it might just be me. He also commented on the fresh, minty feel it left in his mouth!
Not only does EvoraPlus help combat halitosis, but the key ingredient of Probiora3 also helps to naturally whiten teeth (up to three or four shades within the first month).
One of the most powerful and unique properties of the probiotic blend used in EvoraPlus® is their ability to release a low level form of hydrogen peroxide as a normal by-product. The continuous low doses of hydrogen peroxide created by the Probiora3® blend of beneficial bacteria naturally whiten teeth without creating tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
I cannot say that I have noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth, however, I haven't used the product long enough to tell the long term benefits. I did notice not having the unpleasant breath upon awakening as much since using EvoraPlus and even after I ate a big juicy Sonic burger loaded with onions, I didn't have that yucky morning mouth that onions usually cause me.
EvoraPlus also has a
great website devoted to oral care concerns and questions. I recommend viewing it to learn more ways to combat your oral care concerns within your family or pets.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 Mint, Servings Per Container: 60, Amount Per Serving: Calories 1, Fat Cal 00, Total Fat 0g (0% DV), Sat Fat 0g (0% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 0g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (0% DV), Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Active Ingredients: ProBiora3® containing 100 Million CFU each, (S. uberis KJ2™, S. oralis KJ3™, S. rattus JH145™)
Other Ingredients: Xylitol (Natural Sweetener), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Natural Mint Flavor, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate
Contains no artifcial sweeteners, flavors or colors and is suitable for vegetarians. Proudly made in the U.S.A.
EvoraPlus claims it can be used safely in combination with other medications and even suggested for use after a course of antibiotics which can upset the body's natural flora. I would say, before using any product that you have never used before that contains probiotics or anything you are unfamiliar, to do your own research.
The product line includes EvoraPlus and
EvoraKids (for children aged 3-10) and each can be purchased for $19.99 at most Walgreen's locations and online through Target, CVS and Drugstore.com To see if EvoraPlus is available in your area, visit their
store locator.
One reader will have the opportunity to try EvoraPlus! Entering is easy, simply complete the Mandatory Entry as required by leaving a comment below. For extra chances to win, complete any or all of the Bonus Entries. Leave a separate comment for each entry and be certain that your email address is visible in your profile or in your post. Be certain to read the complete list of Rules, Regulations, Disclaimer and Disclosure on the
Legal Page.
This giveaway will end at Midnight Central Time on September 23, 2010
This Giveaway is now closed. A winner will be determined soon.
Mandatory Entry: Visit EvoraPlus and tell me something else you learned from their website!
Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each entry submitted.
- Follow Critique of the Unique by Google Friend Connect (+3 entries)
- Follow Critique of the Unique on Twitter (+1 entry)
- Follow EvoraPlus on Twitter (+1 entry)
- Fan EvoraPlus on Facebook to show your support. (+1 entry)
- Subscribe to Critique of the Unique by email and confirm (+3 entries)
- Enter any of my other giveaways. (+1 entry for each)
- Tweet about this giveaway (+1 DAILY) Tweet: Concerned about oral health care? Enter to win Probiotic Mints with @uniquecritiques and @evoraplus at http://dld.bz/sCFK (9/23)
FTC Guidelines require that I disclose that I received a 60 count box of EvoraPlus free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions herein are my own honest opinions. Other opinions may vary. I am in no manner affiliated with EvoraPlus aside from this review. EvoraPlus agreed to sponsor the giveaway of one box of EvoraPlus to one of my readers and therefore is responsible for prize fulfillment.
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