Blood and saliva markers to track gum disease and healing after non-surgical cleaning

The Relationship of HALP Score, Blood-Based Inflammatory Indices, and Salivary MMP-8 Levels With Periodontal Disease and Healing After Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

This project tries to see if a blood score (HALP), other blood inflammation markers, and salivary MMP-8 can help identify gum disease stage and predict healing after non-surgical periodontal cleaning in adults aged 18–65.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 180 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Erzincan University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Merkez, Erzincan)
• Trial ID: NCT07312045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational study that will enroll 180 adults split into healthy, gingivitis, and stage III/IV periodontitis groups. All participants receive a periodontal exam and provide blood and saliva samples at baseline to measure the HALP score, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII, and salivary MMP‑8. Participants with gingivitis or periodontitis receive standard non-surgical periodontal therapy (full-mouth debridement) and return for repeat periodontal measurements at 3 months, with an additional blood draw planned for the periodontitis group if feasible. Biomarker levels will be compared across groups and related to clinical healing after treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 with healthy gums, gingivitis, or stage III/IV periodontitis who are non-smokers, free of systemic conditions that affect periodontal health, and willing to attend in-person follow-up visits.

Not a fit: People with systemic inflammatory diseases (for example diabetes or autoimmune disorders), current smokers, pregnant or lactating individuals, or those on recent antibiotics/anti‑inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs are excluded and may not benefit from the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, readily available blood and saliva tests could help clinicians stage gum disease and predict which patients will respond well to non-surgical therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that blood markers like NLR/PLR and salivary MMP‑8 relate to periodontal inflammation, but applying the composite HALP score to periodontal staging and healing is a relatively new approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18-65 years
* Ability to provide informed consent
* No systemic diseases or conditions affecting periodontal status
* For Healthy Group: Probing depth ≤3 mm, no attachment loss, no radiographic bone loss
* For Gingivitis Group: Gingival inflammation and bleeding on probing without attachment loss or bone loss
* For Periodontitis Group: Stage III or stage IV periodontitis according to 2018 classification
* No periodontal treatment within the past 6 months
* Willingness to attend follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic diseases influencing periodontal inflammation (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disorders)
* Current pregnancy or lactation
* Use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive drugs within the last 3 months
* Smokers or individuals using tobacco products
* History of periodontal surgery in the last 6 months
* Presence of fewer than 20 natural teeth
* Any condition that may interfere with study participation or data reliability

Where this trial is running

Merkez, Erzincan

• Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Faculty of Dentistry — Merkez, Erzincan, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ömer Faruk Okumuş, Assistant Professor

Conditions Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Gingivitis; Chronic