The Effect of Fermented Lingonberry Spray on Oral Health-A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: A fermented lingonberry juice spray (FLJ spray) was developed from lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis idaea L.) juice as a natural adjunct for oral health. It has a low sugar content and contains naturally occurring phenolic compounds to decrease oral microbial burden, inflammation, and dry mouth symptoms. This human intervention single-arm pilot study examined the oral effects of fermented lingonberry spray (FLJ spray) treatment, used for a period of 30 days. Methods: Eleven adult patients were recruited from a private dental clinic in Tampere, Finland. Traditional clinical oral examinations, periodontal status, and samples were collected at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks. Bleeding on probing (BOP), visible plaque index (VPI), and probing pocket depths (PPD) were examined, and active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) mouthrinse assays (cut off 20 ng/mL) were conducted. Additionally, stimulated and resting saliva, pH, and buffering capacity were assessed. A questionnaire assessing dry mouth symptoms was also recorded. Results: The effect of FLJ spray on clinical variables during the study period was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Use of the Lingora^® spray reduced the assessed periodontal indices BOP (p < 0.05), VPI (p < 0.001), PPD ≥ 6 mm (p = 0.136), and aMMP-8 (p = 0.084). No adverse or contrary effects on the parameters were observed during the study. Conclusions: The use of FLJ spray improved periodontal status and reduced plaque burden and signs of inflammation, such as BOP and collagenolytic aMMP-8 levels. This pilot study suggests that FLJ spray is safe and appeared to be beneficial for use in addition to oral home care.