Using topical vitamin D to treat periodontal disease
Official title: Topical Vitamin D and Periodontal Disease
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11061026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how putting vitamin D directly on your gums might help treat gum disease by boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation, so if you're dealing with periodontal issues, this could be a promising option for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 2, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,569 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE028883-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease, particularly those who may have vitamin D deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not have vitamin D deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of applying vitamin D directly to the gums to treat periodontal disease, which is linked to inflammation and tooth loss. The study aims to understand how topical vitamin D can enhance the immune response and reduce inflammation caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth. By delivering vitamin D directly to the gingival epithelium, researchers hope to improve the body's natural defenses against periodontal pathogens and promote healing. The approach is based on preliminary findings that suggest topical application may be more effective than oral supplementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been conflicting results with oral vitamin D supplementation, this topical approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diamond, Gill — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Diamond, Gill
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.