TOKYO, Japan: Probiotics have been investigated for their potential to support periodontal health. However, using live microorganisms in consumer products can present challenges related to stability, manufacturing and storage. A recent study investigated whether a postbiotic preparation containing a bacterial strain with potential for controlling gingival inflammation could indeed support gingival health. The findings suggest that the preparation warrants further clinical investigation.
The clinical trial included 134 adults with mild gingival inflammation but no periodontitis. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either gummies containing the heat-inactivated bacteria or placebo gummies. They consumed the gummies twice daily for six weeks and continued their usual oral hygiene routines. They did not receive toothbrushing instruction or periodontal treatment.
Mean bleeding on probing decreased significantly from baseline in both groups by six weeks, but the difference in the reduction between the groups was not statistically significant. When the researchers excluded participants who had used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mean bleeding on probing decreased significantly in the postbiotic group but not the placebo group, and the between-group difference in the reduction was statistically significant. The gingival index also improved significantly from baseline in the postbiotic group but not in the placebo group. However, the groups did not differ significantly at the end of the study. Probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and plaque accumulation changed only minimally.
The researchers suggested that the postbiotic preparation’s potential anti-inflammatory effects may have contributed to the reduction in gingival bleeding. However, they described the absolute effect as modest and potentially of limited immediate clinical relevance.
“By evaluating the gummies under normal daily living conditions, we were able to better understand their practical potential for supporting gum health,” senior author Prof. Takanori Iwata of the Department of Periodontology at the Institute of Science Tokyo said in a press release.
The results suggest that the postbiotic formulation may have potential as a convenient adjunct to established preventive measures. However, the findings do not demonstrate that the gummies prevent periodontitis or provide long-term periodontal benefits. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms involved and assess the effects of longer-term consumption.
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