Deep cleaning (PMPR) plus chlorhexidine mouthwash for gums and blood vessel health
The Effect of Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR) and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Salivary and Acquired Enamel Pellicle (AEP) Proteins and Vascular Function and Inflammation in People With Periodontal Disease
This study will test whether professional deep cleaning with or without a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash changes saliva proteins, mouth bacteria, and blood vessel function in adults with gingivitis or early periodontitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Portsmouth Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portsmouth, Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT07311512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Thirty adults with clinically confirmed gingivitis or stage 1–2 periodontitis will receive standard professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR). After PMPR, participants will use either 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash or a placebo mouthwash and be followed for changes in salivary and acquired enamel pellicle proteins, oral microbiome composition, and nitrate-reducing bacteria activity. Vascular outcomes such as endothelial function and arterial stiffness will be measured alongside oral endpoints to explore oral-systemic links. The study compares pre- and post-treatment measures to see if adjunctive chlorhexidine alters beneficial oral bacteria or vascular health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with gingivitis or early (stage 1–2) periodontitis who have at least 12 natural teeth, have not had PMPR in the past 6 months, and have not taken antibiotics in the past 3 months are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with advanced periodontitis (stage 3–4), those on regular systemic medications (including for hypertension or diabetes), pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, recent antibiotic users, or those wearing orthodontic appliances are unlikely to be eligible or to gain direct benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether adding chlorhexidine to standard deep cleaning protects or harms oral nitrate-reducing bacteria and therefore help guide safer periodontal care that supports blood vessel health.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show chlorhexidine reliably reduces plaque but can lower oral nitrate-reducing bacteria and small trials have linked CHX use to short-term blood pressure changes, so elements are supported though the direct vascular consequences remain not fully settled.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have a minimum of 2 natural teeth in each sextant (at least 12 teeth overall). * Individuals with clinically diagnosed gingivitis and/or early periodontitis (stage 1 and 2) * Must not have undergone periodontal maintenance therapy (PMPR) within the last 6 months. * Must not currently be wearing orthodontic appliances, due to their effect on oral microbiota and plaque composition. * Must not be using removable orthodontic appliances, as they increase plaque accumulation. * Must not have taken any antibiotic treatments within the last 3 months. * Must be able to provide written informed consent. * Individuals with dental erosion or caries will still be included but matched during the baseline visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals under regular medication within one month of the study start date for any medical condition (such as hypertension and/or diabetes) * Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. * Individuals requiring an interpreter or who are non-English speakers. * Individuals unable to provide written informed consent. * Individuals participating in another ongoing clinical study (other than observational studies) within 3 months prior to or during this study. * Individuals who have used mouthwash or tongue scrapers in the last 6 weeks. * Individuals who consume 20 or more cigarettes per day. * Individuals who consume more than 5 alcoholic drinks per day.
Where this trial is running
Portsmouth, Hampshire
- University of Portsmouth — Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mahdi Mutahar, PhD
- Email: mahdi.mutahar@port.ac.uk
- Phone: 02392845528
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.