A randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical study to evaluate the effect of soluble beta-1,3/1,6-glucan on experimental gingivitis in man.

BACKGROUND

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disorder of the periodontium induced by dental plaque bacteria. Soluble beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (SBG) is known to enhance infection defense by preventing excessive inflammatory responses caused by bacterial endotoxins.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SBG on experimental gingivitis in man.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Experimental gingivitis was induced over a period of 24 days in 30 healthy volunteers who were simultaneously treated with SBG. Two groups (n=10/group) rinsed twice daily with an SBG mouthwash that was either swallowed or expectorated. A third group (n=10) received a water rinse as a control. Plaque index (Pl.I), gingival index (GI), and amount of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were assessed at baseline and at six times during the study.

RESULTS

The results showed that in the SBG groups, GCF decreased significantly during the study. The swallow group experienced a significant increase in GCF during the first week. The control group followed the expected pattern of experimental gingivitis, with a significant increase in the gingival fluid secretion during the test period. There was a significant increase in GI and Pl.I during the study for all groups, with no significant differences between them. No adverse effects of SBG were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

In this 24-day experimental gingivitis study of subjects who used either a SBG or a control mouthrinse: (1) all subjects had increased plaque and gingivitis, (2) GCF increased in control-rinse subjects and GCF decreased in SBG-rinse subjects. The only statistically significant difference between the SBG-rinse and control-rinse subjects was an increase in GCF at day 7 for subjects who rinsed and swallowed SBG.