RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

PMPR and Chlorhexidine on Periodontal Disease and Vascular Function

This study aims to understand how different gum disease treatments affect our mouths and our hearts. We know that gum disease is linked to heart problems. Our mouths contain special bacteria that help keep our blood vessels healthy. Standard gum treatments involve deep cleaning and sometimes a mouthwash called chlorhexidine. While this mouthwash helps with gum disease, it might also affect these helpful bacteria. This research will look at thirty people with gum disease, examining their saliva, proteins on their teeth, and how well their blood vessels are working. By doing this, we hope to learn more about how our oral care choices can impact our overall health, particularly the health of our hearts.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Mahdi Mutahar

Enrolment target

Start

23 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2028

Periodontal Disease (PD)Cardio Vascular Disease Oral-Systemic Link Vascular Dysfunction Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness

What is this study about?

You might know that healthy gums are important for healthy teeth, but did you know they're also linked to your overall health, including your heart? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a long-term problem where your gums and the bone supporting your teeth get inflamed. This can sadly lead to tooth loss over time. But it's not just about your teeth; gum disease is also connected to other health issues, such as heart disease. This connection between our mouth health and the rest of our body is called the oral-systemic link.

Our mouths are home to many different bacteria, some good and some not so good. Among the good ones are 'nitrate-reducing bacteria' (NRB). These special bacteria in our saliva help to produce something called nitric oxide, which is really important for keeping our blood vessels healthy and improving heart function. Think of it as a natural way our body helps keep blood pressure in check and our arteries flexible. When there are plenty of these helpful bacteria, it generally means better blood vessel health.

This study is investigating a common treatment for gum disease: deep cleaning, which dentists call Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR). Sometimes, dentists also recommend a special mouthwash called chlorhexidine (CHX) to help reduce bacteria. While CHX is very effective at getting rid of harmful plaque, there's a concern it might also reduce the numbers of those beneficial nitrate-reducing bacteria. The researchers want to see how deep cleaning with and without this mouthwash affects these important mouth bacteria, as well as proteins in your saliva and on your teeth. Ultimately, they're looking to understand if these oral care practices can influence how well your blood vessels work, and how this might impact your heart health.

Key takeaways

Gum disease is linked to heart health.
The study explores how deep cleaning and chlorhexidine mouthwash affect this link.
Includes checks on saliva, tooth proteins, and blood vessel function.
Aims to understand how oral care impacts overall health.
Participation involves 4 visits over 3 months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you'll need to be an adult between 30 and 75 years old and have been diagnosed with gingivitis or early gum disease (gum inflammation or early periodontitis). You should have at least 12 natural teeth in your mouth, which are distributed across different sections of your jaw.

There are also some things that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you've had a deep dental cleaning within the last six months, or if you're currently using braces or removable plates. It's also important that you haven't taken antibiotics in the last three months, or used any mouthwash or tongue scrapers in the last six weeks. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're currently taking regular medications for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, you wouldn't be able to participate. This study is also not suitable for heavy smokers (20 or more cigarettes a day) or those who drink a lot of alcohol (more than 5 alcoholic drinks a day).

Quick self-check

Are you between 30 and 75 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of gum inflammation or early gum disease?
Have you not had a deep dental cleaning in the last 6 months?
Are you not taking regular medications for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you not used antibiotics in the last 3 months, or mouthwash in the last 6 weeks?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be followed for three months and will need to attend four appointments. During these appointments, the research team will collect samples of your saliva and some proteins from the surface of your teeth. They will also perform tests to check how well your blood vessels are working. You will receive standard dental care, which includes deep cleaning your teeth. You will also be asked to use either a chlorhexidine mouthwash or a placebo (dummy) mouthwash, depending on which group you are in. The study involves collecting these samples and performing these checks to see how the treatments affect your oral health and blood vessel function over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help us understand more about how gum disease and its treatments affect our overall health, particularly heart health. This knowledge could help improve future dental care. There are no direct benefits to your personal health from participating. While generally safe, deep cleaning can cause temporary discomfort or sensitivity. The use of chlorhexidine mouthwash may cause temporary tooth staining or a change in taste. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical or dental care.

Locations (1)

University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'periodontal disease' in simple terms?

It's a common gum disease where the gums and bone supporting your teeth get inflamed over time, and it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

What is 'chlorhexidine mouthwash'?

It's a special antiseptic mouthwash often prescribed by dentists to help reduce bacteria in the mouth, especially for gum problems.

How does gum health link to heart health?

Gum disease is connected to inflammation throughout the body, and some mouth bacteria are important for healthy blood vessels. Poor gum health can impact your overall heart health.

Will I get treated for my gum disease in this study?

Yes, all participants will receive a deep cleaning, which is a standard treatment for gum disease.

What are 'nitrate-reducing bacteria'?

These are good bacteria found in your saliva that help produce a substance called nitric oxide, which is important for keeping your blood vessels healthy.

How to find out more

Mahdi Mutahar, PhD

mahdi.mutahar@port.ac.uk 02392845528 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.