Using light therapy to improve gum health in obese patients with periodontitis

Effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment of Patients With Obesity

Not applicable Interventional University of Sao Paulo · NCT06073704

This study is testing whether adding light therapy to regular gum treatment can help improve gum health in obese patients with gum disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bauru, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06073704 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in conjunction with scaling and root planing for treating periodontal disease in obese patients. Participants will be divided into two groups, one receiving standard treatment and the other receiving aPDT alongside the standard treatment. The study will assess improvements in periodontal health and analyze changes in the proteomic profile of gingival fluid over a period of 6 months. The goal is to determine if aPDT enhances treatment outcomes compared to traditional methods alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are obese individuals classified with grade II or III obesity who have stage II to IV periodontitis.

Not a fit: Patients who smoke, consume alcohol or drugs, or have certain medical conditions such as kidney disorders will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved periodontal health outcomes for obese patients suffering from periodontitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of aPDT and periodontal treatment in obese patients is novel, similar studies have shown promising results with aPDT in periodontal therapy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Obesity (grade II and III classified according to Body Mass Index)
* Periodontitis stage II to IV
* Presence of at least 20 teeth excluding 3rd molars.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smokers
* Alcohol or drugs consumption
* Kidney disorders
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Use of antibiotics at the last 30 days
* Use of drugs that alter periodontal structures as phenytoin or ciclosporin
* Periodontal treatment at the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Bauru, São Paulo

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 PeriodontitisObesityperiodontitisobesity
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.