Probiotic-Containing Nanofiber-Based Dental Floss Suppresses Subgingival Red Complex Periopathogens: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Periodontology
• Probiotic research

Background:

• Subgingival plaque and red complex bacteria are key factors in periodontitis development.
• Novel delivery systems for probiotics are needed to target the subgingival environment.
• Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) has shown potential in modulating oral microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel probiotic (L. salivarius)-containing nanofloss (LS-nanofloss) on subgingival plaque and gingival bleeding.
• To assess the retention of L. salivarius and selected periopathogens after using LS-nanofloss.
• To determine the effect of LS-nanofloss on the quantity of red complex periopathogens in the subgingival environment.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with 30 healthy male participants.
• Comparison of LS-nanofloss versus probiotic-free control nanofloss over two 14-day periods with wash-outs.
• Clinical assessments of plaque and bleeding; subgingival plaque sampling for bacterial DNA analysis (total bacteria, L. salivarius, S. mutans, red complex).

Main Results:

• Both nanofloss types reduced plaque and bleeding, with improvements regressing post-wash-out.
• L. salivarius DNA was detected significantly longer after professional flossing compared to self-flossing.
• LS-nanofloss use was associated with a significant reduction in red complex periopathogens.

Conclusions:

• LS-nanofloss is an effective device for subgingival delivery of L. salivarius.
• Application of LS-nanofloss reduced the relative quantity of red complex periopathogens.
• This probiotic nanofloss shows potential for periodontitis prevention.