Impact of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on rheumatoid arthritis patients with gum disease

Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) on Inflammatory Mediators, Subgingival Microbiota and Quality of Life Impacts in Rheumatoid Arthritis Subjects with Periodontitis

Not applicable Interventional University of Malaya · NCT05880303

This study is testing if a teeth cleaning treatment can help people with rheumatoid arthritis who also have gum disease feel better and manage their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Malaya Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory)
Trial IDNCT05880303 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who also suffer from periodontitis. The approach includes professional mechanical plaque removal and oral hygiene education to address the chronic inflammatory conditions of both diseases. By examining the relationship between periodontal health and RA progression, the study aims to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding their interconnection. Participants will be evaluated based on specific periodontal criteria to ensure they meet the necessary conditions for inclusion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are rheumatoid arthritis patients who have severe periodontitis and are unresponsive to conventional RA treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with concurrent systemic conditions or those who have recently undergone periodontal treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could improve the overall health and quality of life for patients suffering from both rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a positive association between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that similar therapeutic approaches may yield beneficial outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All RA patients who fulfill the American College of Rheumatology (formerly the American Rheumatism Association) 2010 revised criteria for the classification of RA and who are unresponsive to conventional RA treatment.
2. At least 4 sites with probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥5mm and 4 sites with clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥3mm distributed in at least 2 quadrants (Papapanou et al, 2018) and will be designated as having Stage II and Stage III periodontitis in addition to Bleeding on Probing (BoP) score of \>30% representing generalised inflammation (Chapple et al, 2017)
3. Patients should have a minimum of 14 teeth present.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are on antibiotic use during the previous 3 months before study
2. Patients who have received nonsurgical periodontal treatment within 6 months and surgical periodontal treatment within 12 months before the study.
3. Patients who have any concurrent systemic or debilitating conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes.
4. Non Malaysian subjects
5. Patients who are pregnant
6. Presence of acute dental pain or infections

Where this trial is running

Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PeriodontitisRheumatoid Arthritisperiodontitisrheumatoid arthritisnonsurgical periodontal therapyprofessional mechanical plaque removaloral hygiene education
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.