(P27-052-24) Cranberry Juice Inhibits Dental Plaque Bacteria Regrowth and Acid Production in Children and Adults

Objectives: The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, has been reported to benefit human health and is a popular remedy for self-treatment of urinary tract infections. Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) have been shown to inhibit growth and biofilm formation of oral pathogens and dental plaque bacteria associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. We have observed similar results in marketed cranberry juice. Hypothesis: In vivo exposure to cranberry juice inhibits subsequent metabolic activity of oral bacteria in dental plaque bacteria of children and adults.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effects after consuming cranberry juice on dental plaque bacteria regrowth and acid production in children and adults.

Methods: Commercially marketed Ocean Spray^® unsweetened pure 100% cranberry juice (CJ) and Ocean Spray^® cranberry juice cocktail (CJC, 27% juice with added sugar) were used. Fifteen children (7-12 years) and 8 adults (18-64 years) participated in two randomized crossover studies. Overnight fasting supragingival plaque from buccal and lingual surfaces in the left maxillary and mandibular quadrants was collected using a sterile swab. Participants then rinsed and consumed 10 ml of CJ or CJC within 30 seconds for three consecutive times. After 30 minutes, their right maxillary and mandibular plaque were collected. Water was used as negative control. The in vitro acid production and regrowth of all plaque samples were assessed and data between the treated and untreated plaque samples were compared. There was a three-day washout period between visits.

Results: Consumption of 100% CJ inhibited the average regrowth and acid production of plaque bacteria in adults (43.93 ± 19.67%; ΔpH: 0.56 ± 0.25) and in children (33.04 ± 23.88; ΔpH: 0.36 ± 0.24). No significant inhibition was noted after exposure to CJC or water. There was no significant difference in efficacy between CJC and the water control.

Conclusions: Consumption of cranberry juice represents a healthier alternative over popular sugary beverages. The concept of oral diseases prevention using dietary foods/beverages represents a healthy, novel and innovative approach in promoting human’s oral health.

Funding Sources: Research partially supported by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago.