This research study is designed to evaluate the chewing gum's ability to modulate the oral microbiome in human participants, in addition to its safety.
The goal of this project is to develop a pre-biotic chewing gum that is designed to promote a healthy oral microbiome. The gum will contain compounds that will: a) be unable to be converted to acids; b) target the cariogenic S. mutans population; c) promote the stability of a healthy environment by modulating plaque pH via base-generating compounds; d) promote tooth remineralization by increasing saliva flow and by addition of calcium phosphate.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
30
Participants will be asked to chew 2 pieces of chewing gum containing additives for 10 minutes after eating in the morning, and after one meal in the evening, for a four-week period
Participants will be asked to chew 2 pieces of pure gum base for 10 minutes after eating in the morning, and after one meal in the evening, for a four-week period
Change in target species of the oral microbiome
Total microbiome analyses will be performed at the beginning and end of the study (4 weeks) to assess total cultivable flora, levels of S. mutans, S. salivarius, and P. gingivalis in addition to using qRT-PCR from plaque and saliva samples
Time frame: 28 days
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