Persica-based Chewing Gum Ups Periodontal Health

TEHRAN, IranChewing gum containing Persica extract may improve periodontal health by reducing gingival index (GI) and bleeding index (BI), according to a recent study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. The findings did not note considerable effects on the plaque index (PI).

Researchers at the Babol Dental School also reported the Persica extract in chewing gum shows the same effect in scaling and no scaling groups meaning that its effect is not improved or weakened by scaling procedure. Their findings are consistent with the results of a previous study that showed gingival bleeding was significantly reduced with the use of Persica mouth rinse.

Seventy-two high school students with plaque-induced moderate gingivitis were randomly assigned to the two-week trial in the following groups: S+/P+ (n = 18): use of Persica extract chewing gum for two weeks and two sessions of scaling; S+/P- (n = 18): use of placebo chewing gum two sessions of scaling; S-/P+ (n = 18): use of Persica extract chewing gum; and S-/P- (n = 18): use of placebo chewing gum. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding index (BI), were measured at days 0, 7 and 14. Data was analyzed with t test or MannWhitney U test. Seven patients from Persica scaling group and five patients from Persica no scaling (S-/P+) group were excluded for complaining about the taste and irritation.

The effects of extract chewing gum was statistically significant in reduction of GI and BI but not for PI in Persica groups compared with the placebo groups in the days of 7 and 14 after the beginning of trial. Persica extract chewing gum had a considerable effect on GI and BI. The use of Salvadora persica extract chewing gum may promote periodontal health.