Chewing Gum Sweetened with Roquette SweetPearl® Maltitol Inhibits Gingivitis in Humans (Innovative Assay)
Authors
- Guérin-Deremaux L. - Roquette Frères, Lestrem, France
- Keukenmeester R. S. - Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rodriguez B. - formerly with Roquette Frères, Lestrem, France
- Rosema N. A. M. - Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Slot D. E. - Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Thabuis C. - Roquette Frères, Lestrem, France
- Van der Weijde G.A. - Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Van Loveren - Department of Cariology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
In the present study, a clinical experimental protocol has been used to demonstrate the positive impact of sugar-free chewing gum on gum health – gingivitis prevention.
Introduction
What is maltitol?
SweetPearl®, Roquette’s maltitol, is a well-known sugar-free bulk sweetener, belonging to the polyols family. Recently, it has been shown that SweetPearl® sweetened chewing gum provided significant benefits in terms of plaque accumulation, plaque pH, and concentrations of cariogenic bacteria.
Plaque-induced gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and the most common periodontal disease but remains easy to treat. The current trial aimed at assessing the effect of chewing gum (CG) sweetened with SweetPearl® maltitol on the development of gingivitis and caries-related factors.
Materials and methods
Study design:
- Randomized, double-blinded – controlled clinical trial
- Washout period of 15 days + professional prophylaxis at D0
- n=233 young adults – age: 21.9 ± 2.5 years - Men=62 ; Women=158 (could we replace the symbols?)
- Four groups: n=55 or 56/group – Maltitol (SweetPearl® maltitol – Roquette), Xylitol (XYLISORB® xylitol – Roquette), Gum Base, No Gum (negative control)
Split month model:
- The upper jaw is the “healthy” model – regular teeth brushing.
- The lower jaw is the “gingivitis” model – no teeth brushing for 21 days.
- Gingivitis clinical outcomes evaluation = bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP;1).
- Dental Plaque index: modified by Turesky Quigley-Hein index2.
Statistical analyses:
- Kruskal-Wallis test: analysis among groups
- Wilcoxon test: comparison to base line
- Mann-Whitney test: comparison to polyol groups
Results
Gingivitis experimental model validated.
- “Healthy” jaw between D0 and D21:
- BOMP = all groups similar
- Decrease of the plaque index score
- “Gingivitis” jaw between D0 and D21:
- Increase of the BOMP score
- All groups similar in plaque index
Conclusion
Considering the limitations of this innovative experimental gingivitis study, BOMP scores were significantly lower in the maltitol group than in the gum base group showing an inhibitory effect on gingivitis symptoms. These clinical results strengthen the previously described beneficial impacts of SweetPearl® maltitol on oral health.
LIST OF REFERENCES
1. Van der Weijden et al., Journal of Periodontal Research, 1994; 29:236-241
2. Paraskevas et al., Journal of Peridontology, 2007; 78:1011-1016