Postbiotic lozenges in gingivitis management: clinical potential of heat-inactivated bacterial strains and an adjunctive role in prevention

Japanese researchers conducted a controlled study that revealed an interesting pattern: special lozenges containing a postbiotic based on inactivated bacteria are capable of reducing signs of gingival inflammation. This opens a new pathway for gingivitis prevention without the use of live microorganisms. Traditional probiotics, although showing potential for supporting periodontal health, create production difficulties: they require special storage conditions and stability. The postbiotic approach — using components of dead cells — avoids these problems while preserving anti-inflammatory properties.

Clinical Trial Results

The trial involved 134 adults with mild gingivitis but without developed periodontitis. Participants either took lozenges with heat-inactivated strain Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240 or placebo twice daily for six weeks, continuing routine oral hygiene.

In both groups, bleeding on probing (BOP) decreased over six weeks, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. However, when excluding participants taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the postbiotic effect became evident: bleeding was substantially reduced only in the experimental group. The gingival index improved in the postbiotic group, but differences between groups at the end of the study did not reach statistical significance. Periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and plaque accumulation changed minimally.

“By evaluating the lozenges in real-life conditions, we were able to better understand their practical potential for supporting gum health,” noted Professor Takaori Iwata from the Tokyo Science Institute.

Clinical Significance and Future Perspectives

The authors emphasize that the absolute effect was modest and may have limited direct clinical significance. The postbiotic formulation is positioned as a convenient supplement to established preventive measures, such as mechanical plaque removal and patient motivation to maintain oral hygiene, rather than a replacement for them.

The study does not demonstrate periodontitis prevention or long-term periodontal benefits. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of postbiotic components of the Lactiplantibacillus pentosus strain, assess the effects of long-term use, and explore the possibility of application in combined preventive approaches for various forms of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Source

Original publication