Vitamin C to lighten dark gum pigmentation
Official title: Clinical and Histological Evaluation of Topical Vitamin C Application Using Three Modalities in Gingival Depigmentation
Run by Al-Azhar University · NCT07513727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try three ways of applying vitamin C—topical gel, microneedling, and mesotherapy—to see if they reduce dark gum pigmentation in healthy adults aged 20 to 35.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Al-Azhar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Cario Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07513727 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–35 with physiologic gingival melanin pigmentation of the upper and lower keratinized gingiva, good oral hygiene, no systemic disease, and not pregnant or lactating are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with periodontitis or poor oral hygiene, active gingival lesions, prior depigmentation treatment, allergy to vitamin C, systemic disease, or who are pregnant or lactating are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial compares three application methods of vitamin C—topical gel (control), microneedling-assisted application, and mesotherapy injections—applied to physiologic gingival melanin pigmentation in the maxillary and mandibular keratinized gingiva. Outcomes include clinical color measurement using CIELAB analysis via DOPI, clinical indices and photography, and histopathologic examination with Fontana-Masson staining. Eligible participants are systemically healthy adults aged 20–35 who are concerned about the esthetics of physiologic gingival pigmentation and have not had prior depigmentation treatment. Procedures and follow-up visits are conducted at the dental faculty to document pigment changes and tissue response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a minimally invasive, low-cost option to reduce gum pigmentation and improve smile esthetics.
How similar studies have gone: There are limited small reports suggesting topical vitamin C and microneedling can reduce mucocutaneous pigmentation, but robust clinical evidence specifically for gingival depigmentation is sparse.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- 1- Both genders aged from 20-35 years. 2- Patients clinically diagnosed with physiologic gingival melanin pigmentation in the maxillary and mandibular keratinized gingiva. 3- Patients complaining of compromised esthetics. 4- Patients should be systemically free any disease as verified by a medical history diagnostic sheet or via health questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: \- 1- Patient clinically diagnosed with periodontitis and / or manifest poor oral hygiene with high plaque and gingival indices 2- Pregnant or lactating females. 3- Patients with clinical diagnosed lesion in the area of interest primarily the gingivae encompassing the maxillary /mandibular anterior teeth e.g. pigmented lesion of intestinal polyposis syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome and fibro-osseous lesions as florid osseous dysplasia. 4- Patient with previous treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation. 5- Patients with history of being allergic to the vitamin C. 6- Patients with any systemic disease ( e.g. Addison disease ) or drugs consumed that may cause clinical gingival hyperpigmentation 7- Patients who are active or previous smokers.
Where it's running
-
Al-Azhar University Faculty of Dentistry ( Girls )
Cairo, Cario Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: khawlah Q al-khalidi, BDS, MSc
- Email: khawlahalkhalidi555@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201556811594
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.