RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hyaluronic Acid and Octenidine Gel as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment

This study is testing a new gel specifically designed for people with gum disease (periodontitis). The gel contains two ingredients called hyaluronic acid (HA) and octenidine. Researchers want to see if adding this gel to regular gum treatment helps the gums heal better and faster. They will compare a group receiving the standard gum treatment alone with a group receiving the standard treatment plus the new gel. The study will monitor signs of healing, such as changes in gum blood flow, the amount of bacteria, and how the gums look and feel. Up to 26 people will take part at Queen Mary University of London, and their progress will be followed for three months after treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

03 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Periodontitis Wound Heal Periodontal Pocket Periodontal Inflammation Periodontal Attachment Loss

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a common gum problem called periodontitis. This is a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It can cause your gums to swell, bleed, and eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated.

Researchers are testing a new approach to help gums heal better after standard treatment. They are using a special gel that contains two ingredients: hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural substance in your body that helps with healing, and octenidine, which is an antiseptic that helps fight bacteria. The main idea is to see if putting this gel on the gums after a professional deep cleaning (non-surgical periodontal treatment) can improve how quickly and effectively the gums recover.

During the study, they will look at several things, including how the blood flows in your gums, the levels of bacteria, and how your gums look. They will also ask you about your experience and how your gums feel. The goal is to find out if this combination treatment works better than the standard treatment alone to promote healing and reduce the effects of gum disease.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new gel to help gums heal after gum disease treatment.
The gel contains hyaluronic acid (for healing) and octenidine (for fighting bacteria).
It involves standard gum cleaning with or without the new gel.
Participation includes up to 8 visits over three months at Queen Mary University of London.
People with moderate to severe gum disease aged 18+ may be eligible.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your normal care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You should have moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis) that affects different parts of your mouth, with some areas showing signs of deeper pockets and attachment loss.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are allergic to any parts of the gel, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have smoked within the last five years (including e-cigarettes), this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, or if you're taking specific medications like blood thinners or steroids, you might not be able to participate. They'll also check if you've had recent deep cleanings or gum surgery in the last year.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis)?
Have you NOT smoked or used e-cigarettes in the last 5 years?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you NOT taking medications like blood thinners or steroids regularly?
Have you NOT had a deep gum cleaning or surgery in the last 12 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be in the study for about three months after your main treatment. You will have between 7 and 8 visits to the dental centre at Queen Mary University of London. These visits will involve checks on your gums, including measurements, looking at blood flow, and checking bacteria levels. You will either receive the standard gum treatment alone or the standard treatment with the new gel. The total duration of your involvement, including all visits and follow-up, will be around three months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the potential benefit of improved gum healing compared to standard treatment alone, though this is what the researchers are trying to find out. There is always a possibility of risks, such as an allergic reaction to the gel or discomfort during procedures, which your dental team will explain fully. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre for Oral Clinical Research (COCR)
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
The Royal London Dental Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

What is hyaluronic acid and octenidine?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in your body that helps with healing. Octenidine is an antiseptic used to fight bacteria. They are combined in a gel for this study.

What is 'non-surgical periodontal treatment'?

This is a professional deep cleaning of your gums to remove bacteria and plaque from above and below the gumline, helping your gums heal.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be followed for up to three months after your treatment, with a total of 7 to 8 visits during that time.

Will I definitely get the new gel?

You will be randomly assigned to either receive the standard gum treatment alone or the standard treatment with the new gel. Neither you nor the researchers will choose which group you are in.

How to find out more

Miljana Bacevic, DDS, PhD

BHNT.Clinicaloralresearchcentre@nhs.net +44 02078823063 Official trial record

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