Assessing gum disease in obese patients preparing for weight loss surgery
Official title: Periodontal Assessment of a Bariatric Care Population, Clinical, Genetic and Microbiological Characteristics. A Cross-sectional Study.
Run by Queen Mary University of London · NCT04851470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how common and serious gum disease is in obese people getting ready for weight loss surgery and checks if there's a link between gum health and certain genes or inflammation in their saliva.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 394 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Queen Mary University of London Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (London and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2014 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04851470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher who are preparing for bariatric surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are completely edentulous or have uncontrolled systemic illnesses may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in obese individuals who are candidates for bariatric surgery. It will also explore the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers in saliva and periodontal disease, as well as the association of FTO gene polymorphisms with periodontal health. Participants will undergo a medical examination and periodontal assessments as part of their routine care at the UCLH bariatric clinic. Data collected will include demographic information, body composition, and genetic samples when applicable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the oral health challenges faced by obese patients and improve pre-surgical assessments.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on periodontal disease in bariatric candidates may be novel, studies have shown associations between obesity and oral health issues, indicating potential relevance.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Each subject must meet all of the following inclusion criteria to be enrolled in the study: 1. Subject must be over 18 years of age. 2. Subject must have a BMI of higher or equal to 30 kg/ m2 3. Subject must have voluntarily given written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Subjects meeting any of the following exclusion criteria are not to be enrolled in the study: 1. Subject is currently involved in other research involving the use of antibiotics or novel or unknown medications. 2. Self-reported pregnancy. 3. Subject is on chronic treatment (i.e., two weeks or more) with specific medications known to affect periodontal status (phenytoin or cyclosporine) within one month of baseline visit. 4. Subject knowingly has HIV or Viral Hepatitis. 5. Patients are completely edentulous. 6. Subject with uncontrolled systemic illnesses. 7. Subject is not capable to give informed consent. 8. Subjects on chronic antibiotic therapy (ie two weeks or more in the previous month).
Where it's running
-
Barts Health NHS Trust Dental Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Centre for Oral Clinical Research (COCR)
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Luton, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nikolaos Donos, Prof. — Professor of Periodontology and Implantology
- Study coordinator: Vandana Luthra, Dr.
- Email: BHNT.Clinicaloralresearchcentre@nhs.net
- Phone: 02078826348
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Stress response with desflurane versus opioid-free TIVA during weight-loss surgery
This study will test whether adding the inhaled anesthetic desflurane to opioid-free anesthesia changes the body's perioperative stress response in people having bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
-
Evaluating anesthesia techniques for reducing inflammation in bariatric surgery
This study tests different anesthesia methods during bariatric surgery to see which one helps reduce inflammation and supports better recovery for patients.
-
Examining chronic pain improvement after weight loss surgery in specific ethnic groups
This study is testing if weight loss surgery can help reduce chronic pain in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic Black adults with higher body weight.
-
Comparing conventional and tailored limb lengths in gastric bypass surgery
This study is testing whether customizing the lengths of certain parts of gastric bypass surgery can help people lose more weight and improve their health compared to standard lengths.
-
Education to improve drinking habits and oral hygiene for people having bariatric surgery
This project will test three types of patient education—a custom website, clinician-led sessions, or free dental-hygiene samples—to see which best helps people having bariatric surgery improve drinking habits and oral care.
-
Personalized physical activity program for bariatric surgery candidates
This study is testing a personalized exercise program for people with severe obesity who are about to have bariatric surgery to see if it helps reduce harmful chemicals in their blood and improves their health after losing weight.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.