A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted in Malm, Sweden, under the supervision of dentist Per Krasse shows that patients who use chewing gum containing Lactobacillus Reuteri Prodentis significantly reduced bleeding of the gums after only two weeks of consumption.

Around 85% of the patients reacted positively to this treatment.

A comprehensive report for publication in a scientific journal will be completed in the autumn.

Over 3 million Swedes suffer from bleeding of the gums that is more or less severe gingivitis. International data show that the incidence of gingivitis is largely the same in other countries.

"Bleeding gums are clearly a public health scourge and occur even in very young patients. Dentists and dental hygienists recommend a regimen of daily brushing, picking, flossing, etc., but this is not always effective. Many of the patients who are recommended this treatment return year after year with the same problem. Aside from chronic discomfort for the patient, it also poses a clinical threat since gingivitis can advance to the more serious periodontitis and loss of teeth," says Krasse.

"Oral health is definitely an area of great interest to BioGaia. We seem to have a very effective product, and according to the experts, there are no really good alternative treatments. In view of this, we have high hopes for this market" says Peter Rothschild, managing director of BioGaia.

Trial sales of the chewing gum and lozenges under the BioGaia brand name will be launched on a small-scale via dentists in specific regions of Sweden already this autumn and will later be expanded to the entire country and other prioritized markets. A separate function is currently being set up within the company to handle these operations. This venture will generate a limited increase in the year's expenses and is thereafter expected to make a positive contribution to BioGaia's earnings.