Home Efficacy of a Postbiotic-Based Gel Compared with a Gel Without Active Ingredients for the Treatment of Gingival Inflammation in Patients with Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this six-month randomized controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of a non-surgical periodontal treatment combined with the use of an active gel compared to a non-surgical treatment alone in reducing inflammatory indices in periodontal patients with Down syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients were included in the study, 20 of which were assigned to the active group and 20 to the control group. The active group underwent non-surgical periodontal treatment supplemented by daily home application of an intensive soothing gel containing probiotics. The control group received non-surgical periodontal treatment combined with the application of a gel without active ingredients. The following clinical indices were assessed: Bleeding on Probing (BOP %), Plaque Control Record (PCR %), Mobility (Miller Index), and Modified Marginal Gingival Index (MGI). Measurements were taken at baseline (T0), one month after treatment initiation (T1), after three months (T2), and after six months (T3). The patient compliance was evaluated at each visit, and product satisfaction was assessed through a questionnaire using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

By the end of the study, statistically significant improvements were observed in both the groups from T0 to T3 evaluation (p < 0.05). The BOP score was significantly lower in the Trial group at the T3 intergroup evaluation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A soothing gel with postbiotic and natural compounds was a valuable adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment to improve periodontal health in patients with Down syndrome, reducing BOP after 6 months of treatment.