Medical Oddities: Gummies Good for the Gums
From gummies to hookworms, trackers to vibrating pills, medicine took some unexpected turns this week.
By
Teraya Smith
June 18, 2026
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of heat-inactivated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240 gummies in reducing gingival inflammation in adults.
Approach: Key Findings: Bleeding on probing decreased from 17.6% to 12.3% in the treatment group, compared to little change in the placebo group. Gingival index scores improved, while pocket depth, attachment levels, plaque scores, and saliva production remained largely unchanged. Participants with a BMI of at least 22 kg/m² and lower baseline bleeding showed the strongest responses. Interpretation: The gummies were effective in reducing signs of gingival inflammation without safety concerns.
Limitations: The study did not assess long-term effects beyond the 6-week period. The sample size was limited to 116 adults. Conclusion: Heat-inactivated Lactiplantibacillus pentosus ONRICb0240 gummies may be a beneficial adjunct to oral hygiene for reducing gingival inflammation.
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