The effect of Parodontax® on the MMP-8 concentration in gingivitis patients

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Parodontax® (GlaxoSmith-Kline, Bühl, Germany) on the signs gingival inflammation and the enzyme activity of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in the gingival crevicular fluid. After approval by the ethics commission, a total of 50 volunteers participated in the study; group 1 (n = 25, age: 43 ± 12 years) with moderate gingivitis (BOP +) and group 2 (n = 25, age: 29 ± 11 years) with clinically healthy gingival conditions (BOP -). After obtaining anamnestic data, the dental examination included assessment of oral hygiene (Quigley & Hein 1962), gingival inflammation (Saxer & Mühlemann 1975), probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from both groups. A quantitative assessment of aMMP-8 in the gingival crevicular fluid samples was performed (DentoAnalyzer, Dentognostics GmbH, Jena, Germany). Study participants were instructed to use only Parodontax®. After three weeks, all parameters were measured again. The aMMP-8 values of group 1 were significantly reduced after the use of Parodontax® toothpaste and mouthwash (p < 0.001; baseline median 41.25 ± 38.16 ng/ml, final post-treatment median 7.73 ± 7.58 ng/ml aMMP-8 eluate; group 2: baseline median 3.75 ± 3.16 ng/ml, final post-treatment median 3.73 ± 1.54 ng/ml aMMP-8 eluate). Gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation were reduced. It was shown that Parodontax® was effective in reducing the enzymatic activity of inflammation.