Medical Oddities: Gummies Good for the Gums
From gummies to hookworms, trackers to vibrating pills, medicine took some unexpected turns this week.
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By
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Teraya Smith
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June 18, 2026
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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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