Using erythritol to improve gum health in severe periodontitis

Adjunctive Effect of Erythritol on Pocket Closure Rates: RCT

Not applicable Interventional University of L'Aquila · NCT06958874

This study tests if adding erythritol powder to regular gum treatment can help people with severe periodontitis improve their gum health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages35 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of L'Aquila Academic / other
Locations1 site (L’Aquila)
Trial IDNCT06958874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of erythritol powder during non-surgical periodontal treatment for patients with severe periodontitis. Participants with gum pockets of 4 mm or more will receive either standard treatment or standard treatment combined with erythritol cleaning. The study aims to evaluate improvements in gum health indicators such as pocket depth, bleeding, and plaque levels over a period of 2 to 4 months. Factors like age, sex, smoking status, and diabetes will also be assessed for their influence on treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 periodontitis and having at least 12 natural teeth.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases, recent periodontal treatment, or those who smoke heavily may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better gum health and healing for patients suffering from severe periodontitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of erythritol in periodontal treatment is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results with other adjunctive therapies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 18 years or older

Diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 periodontitis according to the 2017 classification

Presence of at least 12 natural teeth

Presence of periodontal pockets with probing depth ≥ 4 mm in non-adjacent teeth

Good general health or stable systemic conditions (e.g., controlled diabetes)

Exclusion Criteria:

Use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs within 3 months prior to treatment

Periodontal treatment in the previous 6 months

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Current smokers of more than 10 cigarettes per day

Allergies or intolerance to erythritol or any materials used in the treatment

Systemic diseases or conditions that could influence periodontal healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunodeficiency)

Use of medications known to affect periodontal tissues (e.g., phenytoin, cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers)

Where this trial is running

L’Aquila

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 PeriodontitisPocket, PeriodontalPocket, Gingival
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.