An Innovative Strategy for Oral Biofilm Control in Early Childhood Based on a Resveratrol-Cyclodextrin Nanotechnology Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel oral spray containing resveratrol (RV) in controlling bacterial biofilm and gingival inflammation in early childhood. RV, a natural polyphenol, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activities, was included in a nanovector of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (HPβCD) to improve its bioavailability. A total of 64 children between two and five years of age with plaque-induced gingivitis were randomly included in two equal groups. Both groups were enrolled in a mechanical plaque control program for a period of four weeks, while the test group was also instructed to use the RV-HPβCD mouthwash (in spray formulation) once daily, after toothbrushing. All children underwent three oral hygiene motivation sessions, 14 days apart, during which the full-mouth presence of bacterial plaque, gingival inflammation, dental stain and salivary pH were recorded. At two-week appointment, they also received professional plaque removal. The use of RV-based oral spray significantly reduced the amount of dental plaque and the percentage of bleeding sites and improved salivary pH compared to the control group at both two- and four-week examinations. Based on these promising results, the local delivery of RV-HPβCD via oral spray could enhance the control of dental biofilm in early childhood, when antiseptic mouthwashes are not recommended.