Evaluation of a Targeted Oral Microbiome Treatment in an Older Adult Population

In a six-week randomized pilot trial in older adults in Cleveland, Ohio, PTx800 lozenges produced a 100% reduction in bleeding on probing versus 82% with active placebo.

• Why it matters: Gingivitis is common in older adults and is linked to systemic diseases, yet accessible, effective options are needed for underserved people who face barriers to dental care.
• What they did: Older adults (final n=20) received PTx800 or an active placebo lozenge three times daily; outcomes included MGI, PI, BOP, PPD, and quantitative PCR changes in oral pathogen load.
• The result: PTx800 stabilized periodontal probing depth, reduced total bacterial load, and markedly decreased red complex pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, improving gingival health versus placebo.

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