Clinical Trial Compares Chewing Gum Types for Periodontal Health
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Patients suffering from periodontal disease can experience immediate relief by chewing gum infused with nitrates, substances known to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as mild gingivitis, develops when plaque—a thin film of bacteria—accumulates on the teeth, leading to gum inflammation and bleeding.
Maintaining oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing or using interdental brushes, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash are essential for preventing or treating this condition. However, these habits can be challenging to maintain regularly, notes Sean Green at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in West Carson, California.
If untreated, this milder form of gum disease can escalate to periodontitis, resulting in painful oral abscesses and loss of teeth.
Prior studies indicate that consuming nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beets can enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, mitigating gum inflammation. However, access to or enjoyment of such foods varies widely, adds Green.
To explore a different method of leveraging nitrate benefits, Green and his team enlisted 30 adults diagnosed with mild periodontal disease. Participants were randomly assigned to chew a nitrate-rich gum developed by the researchers or a nitrate-free gum of the same flavor for at least 15 minutes three times daily over three weeks. They were instructed to continue their regular oral care routines and dietary habits during the study period.
Before and after the trial, the researchers evaluated gum health by measuring bleeding around each tooth using a small metal rod. Participants chewing the nitrate-rich gum showed a decrease in bleeding from an average of 26% at the study’s onset to 15% by the end. In contrast, chewing nitrate-free gum did not produce any significant results.
“This marks a clinically significant improvement in gum health,” states Praveen Sharma, a researcher from the University of Birmingham, UK, who did not participate in the study.
Analysis of saliva samples indicates that the nitrate gum enhances levels of beneficial oral bacteria that convert nitrate into nitric oxide while reducing the presence of harmful plaque-forming bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis.
The findings imply that this approach, supplemented by conventional treatments, could serve as an effective method for alleviating periodontal symptoms. “This serves as a solid proof of concept,” adds Francesco Daiuto at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK. However, further research is necessary to determine the longevity of these effects and their efficacy in treating advanced periodontal disease.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
