Impact of a Healthy Plant-based Diet on Gum Disease Treatment

Effect of the Healthy Plant-based Dietary Pattern as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment in Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study tests if following a healthy plant-based diet can help improve treatment results for Chinese adults aged 18 to 64 with gum disease.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 78 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 64 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hong Kong)
• Trial ID: NCT06753682 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a healthy plant-based diet on individuals suffering from periodontitis, a common gum disease. It aims to determine whether dietary modifications can enhance treatment outcomes for patients with generalized Stage II and Stage III periodontitis. Participants will be required to adhere to a plant-based diet while receiving standard periodontal treatment. The study focuses on Chinese adults aged 18 to 64 who have specific dietary inadequacies related to fruits and vegetables.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese adults aged 18 to 64 with generalized Stage II or III periodontitis and specific dietary inadequacies.

Not a fit: Patients with edentulism or systemic diseases that affect periodontal treatment outcomes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve periodontal health and treatment outcomes for patients with gum disease.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions have been explored in other health contexts, this specific approach to periodontal treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Chinese ethnicity aged between 18 and 64;
* Generalized Stage II and Stage III periodontitis;
* at least 10 occluding pairs present;
* Good general health;
* Never-smoker or former smoker who had quit smoking successfully for at least 12 months prior to the screening visit;
* Body mass index (BMI) ranging between 18.5 and 28 kg/m2;
* Self-reported inadequacy of hPBD with the main focus on fresh vegetables (\<300 g/day) or/and fruit (\<200 g/day) with reference to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese residents (Society, 2022).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Edentulism
* Presence of any systemic disease or taking medication that can alter the manifestation/outcome of periodontal treatment (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypertension with use of calcium channel blocker, etc.)
* Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant at any point during the study duration
* Need for antibiotic prophylaxis in the context of dental treatment
* Having received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics within the previous 3 months
* Having received professional periodontal treatment (other than supragingival cleaning) within the previous 12 months
* History or clinical manifestation of any eating disorder as determined the International Classification of Diseases
* Presence of any dietary restriction (e.g., adherence to a Mediterranean diet), currently taking nutrient supplements or inability to choose his/her diet
* Having obvious weight change (≥5% of current body weight) over the past 6 months
* Participation in another intervention trial
* Inability or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

• Prince Philip Dental Hospiral — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ke Deng

Conditions Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Diet