Improving Antibiotic Use for Gum Disease Treatment

Shaping the Indications for Periodontal Adjunctive Antibiotics in Dental Practice: A PBRN Clinical Trial

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11144356

This project helps dentists understand when and how to best use antibiotics for gum disease, aiming to improve patient care and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11144356 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many adults experience gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated. While antibiotics have been used to treat gum disease, there are currently no clear national guidelines on when they are most effective for individual patients. This project aims to provide dentists with better guidance on prescribing antibiotics for gum disease. By understanding which patients truly benefit, we can improve treatment outcomes and help prevent antibiotic resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project is relevant for adults aged 21 years or older who are receiving treatment for periodontitis, or gum disease.

Not a fit: Patients without periodontitis or those not receiving antibiotic treatment for gum disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidelines for dentists, ensuring patients receive the most effective and appropriate antibiotic treatments for gum disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on adjunctive antibiotic use for gum disease have shown conflicting results, highlighting the need for more robust trials to establish clear guidelines.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.