Clinical Research Directory

SYsteMatical Trained learnIng aLgorithms for Oral carcInogenesiS Interpretation by Optical Coherence Tomography

This clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the early diagnosis of oral cancer. It focuses on Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) as precursors to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Despite the availability of oral screening, diagnostic delays persist, underscoring the importance of exploring non-invasive methodologies. The OCT technology provides cross-sectional analysis of biological tissues, enabling a detailed evaluation of ultrastructural oral mucosal features. The trial aims to compare OCT preliminary evaluation with traditional histology, considered the gold standard in oral lesion diagnosing. It seeks to create a database of pathological OCT data, facilitating the non invasive identification of carcinogenic processes. The goal is to develop a diagnostic algorithm based on OCT, enhancing its ability to detect characteristic patterns such as the keratinized layer, squamous epithelium, basement membrane, and lamina propria in oral tissues affected by OPMDs and OSCC. Furthermore, the trial aims to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) in OCT image analysis. The use of machine learning algorithms could contribute to a faster and more accurate assessment of images, aiding in early diagnosis. The trial aims to standardize the comparison between in vivo OCT images and histological analysis, adopting a site-specific approach in biopsies to improve correspondence between data collected by both methods. In summary, the trial not only evaluates OCT as a diagnostic tool but also aims to integrate AI to develop a standardized approach that enhances the accuracy of oral cancer diagnosis, providing a significant contribution to clinical practice.

Role of Kefir Mouth Wash in Oral Health Status Amelioration

The present research aims to evaluate the efficiency of kefir mouthwash in enhancing oral health status by employing an in vivo experimental approach. Specifically, the study will assess how kefir mouthwash influences key oral health indicators, including gingival inflammation, plaque development, oral hygiene status, and halitosis. The study will be conducted over a 28-day period, with follow-up assessments every 14 days. The study will include systemically healthy adults with moderate gingivitis. Clinical parameters such as the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) will be measured, along with inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Halitosis will be evaluated using a Hali meter device. All of these will be measured at base line and day 14 and day 28 end of the study. Chlorhexidine 0.12% will be used as a comparative control to evaluate the efficacy of kefir mouthwash in improving oral health. This research intends to provide scientific evidence supporting the use of kefir as a probiotic-based mouthwash, offering a natural alternative to chemical mouthwashes and potentially reducing the negative consequences commonly associated with their use.

Oral Health in Adults: Social Gradients and Correlation With Cardiovascular Health

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising in prevalence because of aging, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle, and common NCDs are caries and periodontitis (here oral diseases) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Association between oral diseases and CVD has been observed in epidemiological studies, and suggested mechanisms include transfer of oral pathogen bacteria and pro-inflammatory mediators to other organs triggering immune response and systemic inflammation. Circulating mediators may initiate a response in the liver with production of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and increased tryptophan degradation, that contribute to CV inflammation and atherosclerosis. We have demonstrated that higher serum levels of these markers are associated with presence of hypertension and obesity and with higher risk of CVD. However, CVD and oral diseases also share many of the same risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes and smoking. Since the association of oral disease with CV risk factors mostly has been demonstrated in cross-sectional studies, the direction has not been ascertained. These CVD risk factors lead to changes in the heart and arteries (preclinical CVD); more harmful in women than men. If these conditions can impact development of oral diseases is not been investigated in large studies. Socio-economic inequalities have been reported for oral diseases and are linked to low socio-economic status (SES). It is unknown whether CV health and SES in midlife may impact prevalence of oral diseases later in life. It is also unknown if the oral microbiome differ by periodontitis severity and can be associated with inflammatory biomarkers, CV risk factors and preclinical CVD. The project will be performed in adults approaching the retirement age in Vestland county. We will combine their data from the ongoing Hordaland Oral Health Survey with their data from three surveys in the longitudinal Hordaland Health Study performed in the period 1992-2020.

Effectiveness of MySmile App for Improving the Oral Health of Secondary School Children:

The goal of this cluster-randomised control trial is to assess the effectiveness of the MySmile app for improving oral health in secondary school children. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Will the MySmile app be more effective in improving secondary school children's dental plaque and gingival health over and above the existing school dental service (SDS)? 2. Will the MySmile app be more effective in improving secondary school children's oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours over and above the existing SDS? 3. Is the MySmile app easy to use by secondary school children? 4. Is the MySmile app acceptable to use from the perspective of secondary school children? Participants in the intervention group will receive the SDS and MySmile app. The control group will receive SDS only. Therefore the researcher will compare between the intervention and control group in terms of dental plaque, gingival health, oral health knowledge, oral health attitudes and oral health behaviours.

Evaluation of the Galea-pericranium Flap in Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects

The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of using the galea and pericranium (fascio-periosteal) temporal flap in the reconstruction of mandibular gingival defects.

Can a Low-threshold Check-up Motivate Older People to Schedule a Dental Visit?

There is little research on the effect of oral screening campaigns for improving oral health in older people. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a low-threshold contact with an oral health professional, including an oral health examination, on dental attendance of older people (65 years of age or older).