Understanding how gingivitis varies among individuals

Mechanisms Underlying the Variation in Rate and Levels of Gingival Inflammatory Responses Among the Human Population

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT05968742

This study is testing how different people's bodies react to plaque buildup on their teeth to better understand gingivitis in healthy young adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT05968742 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that contribute to differences in how individuals respond to the natural buildup of dental plaque, leading to gingivitis. Healthy participants aged 18-35 will refrain from oral hygiene on specific teeth for 21 days, allowing plaque to accumulate and trigger an inflammatory response. The study will be conducted in three phases: a hygiene phase, an experimental induction phase, and a resolution phase, to observe the onset and resolution of inflammation. By utilizing a split-mouth experimental gingivitis model, researchers hope to gain insights into the interactions between microbial factors and host responses that influence gingival inflammation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy males and females aged 18-35 with no signs of gingival inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with existing medical conditions requiring premedication for dental treatments or those with signs of gingival inflammation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of gingivitis, potentially enhancing oral health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar experimental gingivitis models have shown success in understanding gingival inflammation, indicating that this approach is well-established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide signed and dated informed consent form
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged 18-35 years
* Good general health, ASA I (healthy with no systemic conditions)
* No clinical signs of gingival inflammation at \> 90% of sites observed (whole mouth) (\< 10% of sites with GI of \< 2 and no sites with a score of 3; \< 10% sites with BOP +).
* Probing depth (PD) ≤ 3.0 mm (Whole Mouth)
* Attachment loss (AL) = 0 mm (Whole Mouth)
* Gingival health at Visit 2 (Day 0) for study sites (Test/Control teeth): Average Gingival Index (GI) ≤ 0.1 with no site having a score of 3 and bleeding on probing (BOP)(-)
* Never smokers
* The ability to understand and communicate with the examiner.
* Willing and able to comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical condition which requires premedication prior to dental treatments/visits
* Subjects unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent form
* History of periodontal disease
* History of systemic inflammatory or immune conditions, Diabetes
* Use of antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drugs within 30 days of enrollment
* Self-reported pregnancy, planned pregnancy during the planned study commitment, and/or breastfeeding at the time of screening.
* Concurrent orthodontic treatment
* Untreated carious lesions and/or inadequate restorations on maxillary posterior teeth
* Participation in any other clinical study or test panel within 1 week prior to enrollment into this study
* Use of tobacco products
* Subjects who must receive dental treatment during the study dates
* Orthodontic bands, appliances, or crowns and bridges, or removable partial dentures affecting the maxillary posterior teeth
* Missing tooth/teeth within the study sites test and control
* History of allergy to common dentifrice ingredients
* Immune-compromised individuals (for example: HIV, AIDS, and immune-suppressive drug therapy)

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

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 GingivitisExperimental Gingivitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.