Plaque buildup is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s a collection of bacteria, leftover food particles, and saliva that mixes in your mouth. Plaque buildup has bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in your food, producing acids as waste. Plaque buildup has acids that can erode tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth and lead to cavities. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and gingivitis. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss.
So, plaque buildup isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s the root cause of many common dental problems. That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are so important for maintaining good oral health. But what if you could pop a lozenge to reduce plaque buildup? A new study suggests a multienzyme lozenge might be on the horizon for helping to reduce plaque buildup.
Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark conducted a study testing the lozenge on a group of healthy adults (Schlafer S, Johnsen KK, Kjærbølling I, Schramm A, Meyer RL, Jørgensen MR. The efficacy and safety of an enzyme-containing lozenge for dental biofilm control-a randomized controlled pilot trial. J Dent. 2024 Jun 1;147:105107.) Participants were divided in two: one group received the enzyme lozenge, while the other received a placebo. After just one day of using the lozenge without brushing their teeth, participants showed significantly less new plaque buildup compared to the placebo group. The lozenge also appeared to slow down the growth of bacteria in plaque and saliva over a seven-day period.
The study did have some limitations. The study only looked at the effects of the lozenge for a week, so we don’t yet know if these benefits hold up in the long term. More research is needed to see if the lozenge offers lasting results. Additionally, while the lozenge showed promise, it didn’t significantly reduce overall plaque levels after a week, and it didn’t impact gum inflammation. Finally, the study involved a small group of participants, so larger trials are needed to confirm the findings.
Overall, this study suggests that a multienzyme lozenge could be a valuable addition to an oral hygiene routine. While it’s not a magic solution, this lozenge might offer another weapon in the fight against plaque buildup.