Actively Recruiting
The Additional Effect of Including Tongue Scraping to the Oral Hygiene Instructions on Halitosis Parameters in Periodontitis Patients Undergoing Standard Initial Periodontal Therapy
Led by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Updated on 2026-02-13
39
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Periodontitis is a condition that can lead to tooth loss, which affects chewing and appearance, and can also cause bad breath (halitosis). Standard treatment involves cleaning above and below the gum line to reduce bacteria and remove calculus. This research aims to explore whether adding tongue scraping to the usual oral hygiene instructions helps improve bad breath in patients with periodontitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: receiving oral hygiene instructions without tongue scraping, with tongue scraping throughout the study, or with tongue scraping only after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Tongue scraping involves gently cleaning the tongue twice daily. The study follows guidelines recently introduced by the European Federation of Periodontology and evaluates the additional impact of tongue scraping. During the 18-week study, participants will undergo assessments of bad breath using organoleptic scores and measurements of volatile sulfur compounds. Researchers will also track periodontal health and oral hygiene improvements. Participants will receive standard initial periodontal therapy and oral hygiene guidance, with follow-up visits to monitor treatment effects and adherence to hygiene instructions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Additional Effect of Tongue Scraping on Halitosis Parameters in Initial Periodontal Therapy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Provide voluntary written informed consent before screening
- Male or female classified as American Society of Anesthesiologist I or II
- 18 years of age or older
- In good general health as self-assessed
- Diagnosed with generalised periodontitis according to 2018 classification
- Have halitosis with suspected intra-oral cause and organoleptic score of 2 or higher
- At least one volatile sulphur compound measurement above specified thresholds (Halimeter > 107 ppb, Oral Chroma hydrogen sulfide > 112 ppb, or Oral Chroma methyl mercaptan > 28 ppb)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in head and neck area
- Any disorder that may risk safety or protocol compliance
- Prior or current treatments that could affect safety or trial integrity
- Female who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or plans pregnancy within 6 months
- Participation in another interventional trial with investigational drug or device
- Recent antibiotic use within 3 months before first consultation
- Antibiotics required as part of periodontal treatment
- Antibiotic use during the study
- Halitosis suspected to have extra-oral cause
- Systemic disease causing extra-oral halitosis (e.g., diabetes, liver or kidney failure, trimethylaminuria)
- History of rheumatic fever, neurological issues, or medications affecting periodontal tissue
- Presence of active caries lesions
- Unwillingness to return for follow-up
- Use of removable partial dentures
- Having fewer than 20 teeth
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 18 weeks
Participants receive standard initial periodontal therapy with oral hygiene instructions. Depending on the group, tongue scraping is included either throughout the study, only after non-surgical therapy, or not at all.
Multiple visits during the 18 weeks corresponding to non-surgical therapy and follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UZLeuven, Campus SintRafael
Leuven, Belgium
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Ana Castro
J
Jesica Dadamio
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here