Regular consumption of Lactobacillus reuteri‐containing lozenges reduces pregnancy gingivitis: an RCT

Aim This randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of Lactobacillus reuteri on pregnancy gingivitis in healthy women. Materials and Methods Forty‐five healthy women (24 test/21 placebo) with pregnancy gingivitis in the third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled. At baseline Gingival Index ( GI ) and Plaque Index (PlI) were assessed at the Ramfjord teeth and venous blood taken for TNF ‐ α analysis. Subsequently participants were randomly provided with lozenges to be consumed 2 × daily until birth (approx. 7 weeks) containing ≥10 8 CFU L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 and ≥10 8 CFU L. reuteri DSM 17938 (test) or being devoid of L. reuteri (placebo). Within 2 days after birth recording of GI , PlI and blood sampling were repeated. Results At baseline, mean GI and mean PlI did not differ significantly between both groups. In the test group mean TNF ‐ α serum level was significantly ( p  < 0.02) lower than in the placebo group. At reevaluation, mean GI and mean PlI of the test group were both significantly ( p  < 0.0001) lower than in the placebo group. Mean TNF ‐ α serum level did no longer differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions The consumption of L. reuteri lozenges may be a useful adjunct in the control of pregnancy gingivitis.