Actively Recruiting
The Impact of Heavy Alcohol Use on Saliva and Oral Health
Led by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Updated on 2026-02-17
72
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
103 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a higher rate of dental and gum disease. Poor oral health can increase the risk of other diseases, such as diabetes and stroke. Researchers want to learn more about how to identify developing inflammation in the mouth. They also want to know how improved oral health education and behaviors can affect inflammation in people with AUD. Objective: This study has 2 goals: (1) to test the usefulness of a new questionnaire about oral health and (2) to learn more about how oral health behaviors affect inflammation in people with AUD. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older who are staying on an inpatient unit being treated for AUD. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: The study is divided into 2 parts: People will participate in either one part or the other. In part 1, participants will have 1 visit. They will have a physical exam. They will answer 18 questions for a survey about how they care for their teeth. In part 2, participants with AUD will have a physical exam. They will provide saliva and blood samples. They will have a dental exam with X-rays. They will fill out questionnaires about their health, mental health, social habits, diet, and sleep. They will keep a diary of their nicotine use for 4 weeks while inpatient. Healthy volunteers will have 1 visit. They will have a physical exam and provide blood and saliva samples. They will have a dental exam with X-rays. They will fill out questionnaires.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Impact of Heavy Alcohol Use on Saliva and Oral Health
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the study duration
- Aged 18 years or older
- Able to read and speak English
- For AUD participants: admitted and consented for inpatient treatment at NIH Clinical Center
- For Part 1 participants: agree to audio recording of cognitive interview
- For Part 2 participants: Body Mass Index (BMI) less than or equal to 30 kg/m²
- For healthy controls: self-reported good physical health and AUDIT score of 7 or below
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of a condition or illness that prevents giving informed consent (e.g., cognitive impairment)
- For Part 2: any condition preventing diagnostic oral exam (e.g., oral cancer, Sjogren's syndrome)
- For Part 2: use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents within the last month (except topical treatments outside the mouth)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Participation in Part 1 excludes participation in Part 2
- Non-English speakers
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chantal M Gerrard
CONTACT
K
Katherine A Maki, C.R.N.P.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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