Individual Variability of Experimental Gingivitis Response

Gingivitis Clinical Trial

Official title:

Individual Variability of Experimental Gingivitis Response: a Parallel-group Cohort Study

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Recruiting

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT05656417
• Other study ID #: 316902
• Status: Recruiting
• Start date: January 19, 2023
• Est. completion date: July 2025

Study information

• Verified date: March 2023
• Source: King's College London
• Contact: Luigi Nibali, PhD
• Phone: 02071888801
• Email: luigi.nibali[@]kcl.ac.uk
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Observational

Clinical Trial Summary

The study aims to investigate the genetic cause of the variability between individuals seen in the development of the gum disease, gingivitis. This will be carried out through a 3 week programme where all oral hygiene is ceased, allowing 'experimental gingivitis' to develop, followed by a period of recovery when tooth cleaning is restored. Clinical assessments and biological samples will be taken during the course of the study for further analysis.

Description:

The purpose of the project is to investigate the factors which influence the oral disease, gingivitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation (swelling, redness, pain) of the gums, caused by the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Research shows that the severity, extent and rate of development of gingivitis varies considerably between individuals. The aim of this project therefore is to investigate if an individual's DNA contributes to this range in outcomes and what impact it has on the human and bacterial cells in the mouth. This will be investigated through a period where all tooth brushing and oral hygiene will cease, and the changes in the mouth measured as the temporary 'experimental gingivitis' develops. Clinical measurements will include plaque build-up, levels of inflammation and bleeding scores, while samples of blood, saliva and plaque will be used to quantify changes in inflammatory markers and bacterial community composition.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Recruiting
• Enrollment: 56
• Est. completion date: July 2025
• Est. primary completion date: July 2025
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 35 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 to 35

• Caucasian

• No history of periodontitis/periodontal treatment (based on self-reported history)

• Medical history clear of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis C (self-reported)

• Never smoker, e-cigarettes or nicotine gum use (self-reported). Individuals who rarely socially smoked more than 5 years ago would be permitted to participate.

• Minimum of 24 teeth present

• Be willing and competent (verbally and cognitively) to give written informed consent and complete a medical history form

• Be willing and physically able to carry out all study procedures

• Not have had a scale and prophylaxis in the previous month or have one scheduled prior to the end of the study

• Participant in good periodontal health, based on:

1. absence of interproximal probing pocket depths (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) > 3mm (with the exception of distal surfaces of third molars in the presence of impacted third molars) at the screening visit.

2. bleeding on probing (BOP) < 30% at the Screening visit and BOP <10% at Day -7.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently taking part in other clinical trials

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Taking medications including systemic anti-inflammatory medication within 3 months of the study (NSAIDs, no more than once per week and not in the week before sample collection, is permitted)

• Systemic antibiotic intake within 6 months

• Psychiatric conditions affecting participation in the study

• The participant is also a member of staff who is part of the study team

• Current orthodontic treatment

• Regular consumption of alcohol exceeding the government recommended levels

• Denture wearer/presence of dental implants/bridges

• Have oral piercings

• Obvious signs of untreated caries

• Taking dietary supplements (e.g. multivitamins; antioxidants; fish oils)

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Gingivitis
• Mouth Diseases
• Oral Disease

Intervention

Behavioral:
• Temporary cessation of all oral hygiene
Participants will refrain from all oral hygiene for 3 weeks.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United Kingdom	Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Guy's Hospital	London

Sponsors (4)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
King's College London	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Unilever R&D

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United Kingdom, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Löe-Silness Gingival Index: Min 0 - Max 3; Higher score indicates more gingival inflammation and a worse outcome.	Change from baseline.	Intervals over 6 weeks.
Secondary	Silness-Löe Plaque Index: Min 0 - Max 3; Higher score indicates more plaque accumulation and a worse outcome.	Change from baseline.	Intervals over 6 weeks.
Secondary	Bleeding on Probing: Min 0 - Max 1; Higher score indicates bleeding at the gingival site and a worse outcome.	Change from baseline.	Intervals over 6 weeks.
Secondary	Microbial dysbiosis (detection and counts of subgingival microbes).	Change from baseline.	Intervals over 6 weeks.
Secondary	Inflammatory markers (e.g. matrix metalloproteinase-8 and IL-1ß) in blood, gingival crevicular fluid and saliva samples: Higher levels indicate a greater degree of gingival inflammation.	Change from baseline. Measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (units: ng/mL) in each sample type.	Intervals over 6 weeks.