Clinical Research Directory

A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of the SMILE™ Module for Improving Short-term Periodontal Outcomes, Compliance, and Acceptability Among Clinical Dental Students

This multicentre randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the SMILETM (Siwak Method for Integrated Lifestyle Enhancement) module in improving short-term periodontal outcomes, oral hygiene behaviour, and safe siwak practice among clinical dental students. Conventional toothbrushing will serve as the control intervention. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the SMILE intervention group or the conventional toothbrushing control group. Both groups will receive professional oral prophylaxis, standardised oral hygiene education, structured training according to their allocated intervention, and digital monitoring throughout the 21-day study period. The study will assess changes in plaque accumulation, gingival health, and bleeding on probing, as well as participant compliance, behavioural outcomes, acceptability of the SMILE module, and intervention-related adverse events. It is hypothesised that the SMILE module will effectively improve short-term periodontal outcomes, promote better compliance with the recommended oral hygiene practice, and achieve favourable acceptability while maintaining participant safety.

Effects of Using Miswak in Addition to Oral Hygiene Products in Patients With Gingivitis

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effects of miswak use on the oral biological environment by comparing biochemical parameters obtained from saliva and dental plaque samples collected from individuals who use miswak and controls. A total of 36 healthy volunteers will be enrolled in the study, including 18 miswak+rutine oral hygiene products users and 18 rutine oral hygiene products. Periodontal clinical parameters will be recorded, and saliva and supragingival dental plaque samples will be collected from all participants. The collected samples will be analysed for biomarkers associated with periodontal inflammation and oxidative stress. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), C-reactive protein (CRP), and oxidative stress levels will be measured using biochemical analysis. The findings of this study are expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the biological effects of miswak on oral health and contribute to the current understanding of its potential role as an adjunctive oral hygiene tool.

HALP Score, Blood-Based Inflammatory Indices, and Salivary MMP-8 in Periodontal Disease and Healing After Non-Surgical Therapy

This observational clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between the HALP score (Hemoglobin × Albumin × Lymphocyte / Platelet), several blood-based inflammatory indices (including NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII), and salivary MMP-8 levels in individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and stage III/IV periodontitis. The study also evaluates how these biomarkers relate to healing following non-surgical periodontal therapy. A total of 180 participants aged 18-65 years will be included: 50 healthy individuals, 50 patients with gingivitis, and 80 patients with stage III/IV periodontitis. All participants will undergo periodontal clinical examination and provide blood and saliva samples at baseline. Individuals in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups will receive standard non-surgical periodontal treatment (full-mouth debridement) and will return for a 3-month follow-up visit, where periodontal measurements will be repeated. In the periodontitis group, an additional blood sample will be collected at the 3-month follow-up visit. The primary objective is to determine whether baseline HALP score, systemic inflammatory indices, and salivary MMP-8 levels differ between participants who show good versus poor healing after treatment. Secondary objective include comparing biomarker levels across periodontal status groups. The findings may contribute to early prediction of treatment response and personalized periodontal care.