In vivo exposure to cranberry juice suppresses dental plaque regrowth and acid production in adults and children: a PGRM study.

Authors

Christine D Wu, Wei Li, Monique Luu, Evelina Kratunova, Qian Xie

Published in

Scientific reports. Jun 23, 2026. Epub Jun 23, 2026.

Abstract

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 have been shown to inhibit growth and biofilm formation of oral pathogens and dental plaque bacteria associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. To evaluate the hypothesis that short term in vivo exposure to cranberry juice inhibits metabolic activity of human dental plaque bacteria the Plaque Glycolysis and Regrowth method (PGRM) was used. Two independent randomized crossover trials were conducted: one in adults (18-64 years, N = 8) and one in children (7-12 years, N = 14). Commercially marketed Ocean Spray^® unsweetened pure 100% cranberry juice (CJ-100) and cranberry juice cocktail (CJC-27, 27% juice with added sugar) were used. Water was used as control. Overnight fasting supragingival plaque from buccal and lingual surfaces in the left maxillary and mandibular quadrants were collected using a sterile cotton swab (Pre-exposure). Participants then rinsed and consumed 10 ml of CJ-100 or CJC-27 within 30 s for three consecutive times. After 30 min, their right maxillary and mandibular plaque were collected (Post-exposure). The acid production and regrowth of all plaque samples were assessed and data between the Pre- and Post-exposure plaque samples were compared. Data from each study were analyzed separately. Compared to the pre-exposed controls, consumption of CJ-100 reduced 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-27 or water. In vivo exposure of adult and children's dental plaque to pure cranberry juice reduces subsequent metabolic activity, including regrowth and acid production. Cranberry juice may offer a healthier alternative to popular sugary beverages. PGRM represents a potential efficacy screening tool for natural or food-based antiplaque agents.

PMID:
42337282
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Jun 2026.

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