Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum in reducing plaque and gingivitis in adolescent orthodontic patients

OBJECTIVES

Chewing gums containing antiseptics or other antimicrobial substances may be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Therefore, the aim of this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum containing essential oils (cinnamon, lemon, peppermint) and extracts on reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis as well as on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescent orthodontic patients.

MATERIALS

52 patients (11-22 years of age) were randomly assigned to use a test chewing gum (COVIDGUM, Clevergum) or a commercially available control chewing gum over a period of 10 days. Approximal plaque index (API), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and an OHRQoL questionnaire for children (COHIP-G19) were assessed at baseline (BL), after 10 days (10d) and 30 days (30d). In addition, oral health and oral hygiene related questions of the COHIP-G19 questionnaire were evaluated separately in subscales at each timepoint. Data were analyzed using non-parametrical statistical procedures (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

API and PBI decreased significantly over time from BL to 10d and from BL to 30d in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. In both groups, the COHIP-G19 score, oral health subscale and oral hygiene subscale decreased significantly over time. Regarding the oral hygiene subscale, the test group showed significantly better scores at 30d (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Both chewing gums performed similarly effective in terms of reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and improving OHRQoL.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Chewing gums without antimicrobial ingredients may be sufficient to decrease plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Dental plaque control strategies for the elderly population: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To review the scientific literature and identify dental plaque control strategies focussed on elderly people that improve plaque indices.

DESIGN

Scoping review (Joanna Briggs protocol).

DATA SOURCES

Individual search strategies developed for six databases. The selection of the manuscripts in two phases: title and abstract review, and complete review.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies on interventions for plaque control in elderly people (60y+). Epidemiological studies and those focussed on caregivers, health professionals and periodontal maintenance therapies were excluded.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 2803 studies, 26 were included. The results were classified into: exclusively chemical (10), educational (9), exclusively mechanical (6), and combined mechanical and chemical (1). The studies reported different types of interventions: sugarless chewing gum, chlorhexidine (CHX) in different preparations and concentrations, mouthwash based on essential oils, stannous/sodium fluoride dentifrice and lactoferrin/lactoperoxidase tablets. Additionally, conventional and alternative toothbrushes and professional brushing were tested. Educational interventions included oral hygiene guidance, verbal information, and demonstrations of dental and denture cleaning procedures, and lifestyle changes. Many studies have reported strategies that improve dental plaque indices but without statistical significance when compared to control groups. Promising results were found with the use of CHX, sugarless chewing gum, professional brushing and educational strategies with demonstration, but the results were not long-lasting.

CONCLUSION

The literature reports that mechanical, chemical and educational strategies have some efficacy in dental plaque control in the elderly population. The results should be viewed with caution, considering the type of intervention (isolated or combined) and the maintenance of the results obtained.