Clinical and laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of toothpastes in elderly patients

Relevance. A key manifestation of oral aging is the onset and progression of periodontal disease. In elderly patients, gingivitis and periodontitis often develop in the context of low-grade chronic inflammation. Individual oral hygiene plays a critical role in the management of gingivitis and periodontitis and in maintaining long-term remission. Given the clinical and pathogenetic characteristics of chronic periodontitis in older adults, oral hygiene products for this population must meet specific functional requirements.

Objective. To conduct a clinical and laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of a custom-formulated toothpaste and commercially available formulations in elderly patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis.

Materials and methods. The study enrolled 175 elderly patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (ICD-10: K05.3; EFP, 2018 classification: Stage I–II, Grade A–B). All participants underwent a comprehensive dental examination along with laboratory analysis of oral fluid and buccal epithelium. Patients in Study Group 1 used a custom-formulated toothpaste based on a glycerolated silica blend; those in Study Group 2 used a commercially available therapeutic formulation; the comparison group received a placebo toothpaste.

Results. Use of the toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract, xylitol, and bromelain resulted in a 43% reduction in the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and an 18% reduction in the PMA index. The custom-formulated toothpaste achieved a 23% reduction in OHI-S and a 5% reduction in the PMA index. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract, xylitol, and bromelain was supported by a 58% decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in oral fluid and a 51% reduction in the apoptosis index.

Conclusion. Clinical and laboratory findings in elderly patients showed that the therapeutic toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract, xylitol, and bromelain exhibited the most pronounced cleansing and anti-inflammatory effects.

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