Consuming heat-inactivated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240-containing postbiotics reduces gingival...

Periodontal disease affects people globally, requiring approaches to halt progression at the gingivitis stage. Researchers have investigated live probiotics; we studied the effect of a heat-inactivated preparation (postbiotic) of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240 on gingival inflammation.

A total of 116 participants with gingival inflammation but no periodontitis were randomized into groups administered placebo or postbiotic gummies containing heat-inactivated L. pentosus ONRICb0240 (b0240GC) twice daily for 6 weeks. The participants maintained their usual oral hygiene practices without additional instruction or treatment. The bleeding on probing percentage (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque control record (PCR), and salivary volume were clinically assessed.

BOP was the primary endpoint, significantly decreased in the b0240GC group (baseline vs. 6 weeks; 17.6 ± 8.4% vs. 12.3 ± 8.6%, p < 0.001) compared with that in the placebo group (18.9 ± 8.5% vs. 16.6 ± 10.1%, p = 0.344) in a sensitivity analysis excluding participants who used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. PPD, CAL, and PCR were the secondary endpoints that minimally changed, whereas the GI was significantly lower in the b0240GC group (baseline vs. 6 weeks: 1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6; p = 0.001) than in the placebo group (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.6). Exploratory post hoc subgroup analysis suggested stronger responses of BOP reduction in the b0240GC group among participants with a body mass index ≥22 kg/m², a baseline BOP < 20%, or a PCR < 60%.

Continuously consuming b0240GC reduced gingival inflammation, excluding the influence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, with no apparent safety concerns.

ID number: jRCTs031220449; URL: https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031220449 PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is common worldwide and can lead to tooth loss if not treated early. In the early gingivitis stages, the gums turn red and easily bleed. In addition to regular dental visits, simple methods must be developed for preventing the progression of gum disease, such as methods for safely reducing gum inflammation without disturbing the normal bacteria in the mouth. We tested whether eating gummy candies containing heat-inactivated bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240) (b0240GC) improved gum health. We asked 116 adults with mild gum inflammation to eat either b0240GC or placebo gummies twice daily for 6 weeks. The participants did not receive any special instructions for brushing or cleaning their teeth during the study period; therefore, the results reflected real-life conditions. We found that less gum bleeding was experienced by people in the b0240GC group than those in the placebo group at the end of the study, and their gums appeared healthier overall. These findings suggest that b0240GC is helpful for safely improving gum health in daily life.