Title

Evaluation of Oral Plaque Removal Utilizing an Adjunct Enzyme Pre-rinse
A Visual Evaluation of Oral Plaque Removal Utilizing an Adjunct Enzyme Pre-rinse in Orthodontic Subjects
  • Phase

    Phase 2
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Intervention/Treatment

    Bromelain ...
  • Study Participants

    46
This study aims to investigate the impact of a bromelain pre-rinse adjunct on oral plaque removal in orthodontic subjects. The study's null hypothesis states that there is no statistically significant difference in visual plaque scores among orthodontic subjects with or without proteolytic enzyme rinse aid.
Bromelain, a naturally occurring cysteine protease, from pineapple stalks, is used in food and medical industries and listed on the FDA's "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) list. In vitro bromelain study demonstrated antibacterial effect on oral pathogens. Bromelain was found to prevent biofilm formation by interfering with bacteria-bacteria adhesion and/or adhesion to enamel surface. Clinical trials with toothpaste containing bromelain demonstrated improved plaque and gingivitis scores and extrinsic enamel stain removal capabilities. The impact of bromelain application prior to traditional mechanisms of plaque removal have not been clearly evaluated.
Study Started
Jun 14
2018
Primary Completion
Jul 24
2018
Study Completion
Mar 04
2019
Results Posted
Dec 03
2020
Last Update
Dec 03
2020

Drug Bromelain

The subjects were randomized to either receive the bromelain pre-rinse or the powdered sugar placebo pre-rinse. Subjects then had a 5-9 day washout period and was then exposed to the other intervention.

  • Other names: proteolytic enzyme rinse

Other Powdered sugar

The subjects were randomized to either receive the bromelain pre-rinse or the powdered sugar placebo pre-rinse. Subjects then had a 5-9 day washout period and was then exposed to the other intervention.

  • Other names: placebo rinse

Experimental: Bromelain, Then Placebo Experimental

Subjects were asked to chew a disclosing tablet, swish, and expectorate. Intraoral photographs were obtained. They then received a vial containing 1 gram of bromelain that was reconstituted with 15ml of pineapple juice at 50 degrees F. Subjects swished the solution in their mouth for 2 minutes and then expectorated. Intraoral photographs were obtained. Subjects then received a toothbrush and were asked to brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Intraoral photographs were obtained. The subjects were then given a Waterpik and instructed to use the appliances to clean their teeth and brackets to the best of their ability, for 2 minutes. Intraoral photographs were obtained. After a 1 week washout period, they received the placebo rinse (powdered sugar), following the same protocol and series of intraoral photographs.

Experimental: Placebo, Then Bromelain Placebo Comparator

Subjects were asked to chew a disclosing tablet, swish, and expectorate. Intraoral photographs were obtained. They then received a vial containing 1 gram of powdered sugar that was reconstituted with 15ml of pineapple juice at 50 degrees F. Subjects swished the solution in their mouth for 2 minutes and then expectorated. Intraoral photographs were obtained. Subjects then received a toothbrush and were asked to brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Intraoral photographs were obtained. The subjects were then given a Waterpik and instructed to use the appliances to clean their teeth and brackets to the best of their ability, for 2 minutes. Intraoral photographs were obtained. After a 1 week washout period, they received the bromelain rinse, following the same protocol and series of intraoral photographs.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

male or female
10 to 25 years of age
willing to consent to participation
able to follow study instructions
in active orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances

Exclusion Criteria:

unwilling/unable to follow study instructions
documented/suspected pineapple allergy
proteolytic enzyme allergy
food dye allergy
smoker

Summary

Bromelain

Placebo

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term

Composite Plaque Score

The composite plaque score refers to the cumulative plaque score of all twelve teeth following the administration of the bromelain and placebo (powdered sugar) solutions. The composite plaque score scale had a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 48. A score of 0 indicated no plaque was observed on the teeth, while a a score of 48 indicated severe plaque on all possible tooth surfaces. A lower plaque score reflects a better outcome, while a higher plaque score a worse outcome.

Bromelain

36.2
score on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.7

Placebo

37.9
score on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.8

Total

45
Participants

Race and Ethnicity Not Collected

0
Participants

Age, Categorical

Sex: Female, Male

First Intervention (1 Day)

Placebo & Bromelain

Bromelain & Placebo

Washout (1 Week)

Placebo & Bromelain

Bromelain & Placebo

Second Intervention (1 Day)

Placebo & Bromelain

Bromelain & Placebo

Drop/Withdrawal Reasons

Placebo & Bromelain

Bromelain & Placebo