South Asian Research Journal of Oral and Dental Sciences (SARJODS) (ICV 2020: 76.24)
Effectiveness of Functional Pink Smart Gummies / Candy in Managing Female Oral Health Conditions: A Multi-Cluster Approach
Sowjanaya Lakkoju, Dr. Bolisetty Deepika, Dr. Ranjith Kumar Kanthem
Abstract
Background: Oral health significantly impacts overall well-being, particularly among females during hormonal shifts such as adolescence and pregnancy. Functional foods like nutraceutical Gummies / Candy offer a novel adjunctive approach to managing oral health conditions. This study investigates the efficacy of specially formulated Pink smart Gummies / Candy (HETAFU), rich in probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils, and natural sweeteners, in improving specific oral health parameters in females aged 14 years and above. Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of condition-specific dosing of HETAFU Pink smart Gummies / Candy across eight oral health clusters, including xerostomia, enamel erosion, halitosis, gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries, pregnancy tumors, and preventive maintenance during pregnancy. Methods: A cluster-randomized interventional study design was employed across eight oral health conditions. A total of 180 female participants aged ≥14 years were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received condition-specific doses of Gummies / Candy over 5–10 days depending on the clinical indication. Each gummy contained: Isomalt, Sugar alcohols (Xylitol, Maltitol, Sorbitol) Prebiotic (FOS), Probiotics (Bacillus coagulans, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum), Iodized Salt, Acidity Regulators, Essential Oils and natural & nature-identical colors and flavors. Outcomes were assessed using validated indices such as Salivary Flow Rate, Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, Organoleptic Score, Halimeter readings, Gingival Index, Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, Periodontal Index, Clinical Attachment Level, Caries Activity Test, and OHI-S/CPI. Results: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed across all intervention clusters compared to controls. Participants showed enhanced salivary flow, reduced enamel sensitivity, decreased volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), reduced gingival inflammation, improved periodontal attachment levels, decreased caries activity, and better oral hygiene status. Pregnancy-specific clusters also demonstrated reduced gingival overgrowth and improved maintenance. Conclusion: HETAFU Pink smart Gummies / Candy offer a promising, non-invasive adjunctive strategy for managing various oral health conditions in females. The use of targeted, cluster-based interventions with nutraceutical Gummies / Candy can enhance standard dental treatments and promote self-care compliance, especially in hormonal or high-risk groups.