New Chewing Gum Heals Gingivitis

A new chewing manufactured by BioGaia has been found to heal Gingivitis (inflammation of gums).

The study also found that the bacteria in the chewing gum (Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis) interacts with the human immune system and reduces inflammation.

The study was carried out at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and published by Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. The study was conducted on 42 cases with moderate Gingivitis.

The subjects were given one or two chewing gums and Placebos were also assigned to a few subjects and the study was carried over a period of two weeks. Both the groups who took the Prodent chewing gums showed significant reduction of bleeding sites – 85% in those who took one chewing gum per day and 86% in those who took two chewing gums per day.

The fluid content in the pockets also showed significant reduction – 43% in those taking one chewing gum and 53% in those taking two chewing gums. And most importantly there was no significant change in the placebo group in any of the above parameters.

Gingivitis or inflammation of gums is very commonly found among the general population. In U.S it affects about 50% of all adults above the age of 30 years. The percentage is further higher in developing and undeveloped countries.

The most telling sign of inflammed gums is their tendency to bleed easily especially while brushing. Another significant sign is the swelling of the tooth pocket due to the inflammation and fluid being pushed in to the tooth pocket.

Gingivitis is a condition that can easily be reversible with proper brushing habits. Unless, gingivitis is checked in its initial stages, it can lead to Periodontitis which is the advanced stage of gum disease. A majority of the people do not know the correct brushing technique. It is essential to brush two times a day and in a correct manner. Besides brushing, flossing also plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums.