Non-surgical gum treatment effects on saliva markers in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis

The Significance of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Salivary Dkk-1, Sclerostin, and PLAP-1 Levels in Smoker and Non-Smoker Patients With Periodontitis: A Clinical Comparative Study

Not applicable Interventional Al-Mustansiriyah University · NCT07547202

This test will see if deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) changes saliva markers linked to bone loss in adults with Stage II–III periodontitis, comparing current smokers and non-smokers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAl-Mustansiriyah University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07547202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This non-randomized comparative study enrolls 44 systemically healthy adults with Stage II or III periodontitis, split into 22 current smokers and 22 non-smokers. Participants provide unstimulated whole saliva and undergo a full-mouth clinical exam at baseline, receive standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing), and return for repeat saliva collection and clinical measurements six weeks later. The study measures salivary levels of Dkk-1, sclerostin (SOST), and PLAP-1 alongside standard periodontal clinical parameters to track biological and clinical changes. The goal is to compare biomarker and clinical responses to therapy between smokers and non-smokers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Systemically healthy adults with Stage II or III periodontitis who have at least 20 teeth and are either current smokers or non-smokers (never smoked or quit >5 years ago) are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic diseases affecting the periodontium, recent antibiotic use or periodontal therapy, current alcohol use, or fewer than 20 teeth would be excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this specific protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, saliva markers could be used to monitor treatment response and help tailor periodontal care, particularly for people who smoke.

How similar studies have performed: Non-surgical periodontal therapy is known to improve clinical measures and prior work links Dkk-1 and sclerostin to periodontal bone loss, but how these salivary biomarkers collectively respond to therapy in smokers is not well characterized.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Systemically healthy.
* Diagnosed with Stage II and III periodontitis.
* Presence of ≥ 20 teeth (excluding third molars).
* Current smoker OR non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of systemic diseases affecting the periodontium.
* Use of medications affecting inflammation.
* Received periodontal therapy in the past 6 months.
* Received antibiotic therapy in the last 3 months.
* Alcohol use.

Where this trial is running

Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate and 1 other locations

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 PeriodontitisSmokingNon-surgical periodontal therapyScaling and root planingSalivary biomarkersDkk-1SclerostinPLAP-1
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.