Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

The Effects of Nitrate-Rich Mouthwash on Vascular Tone

Sweden20 participantsStarted 2026-04

Plain-language summary

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. One important contributing factor to high blood pressure is reduced availability of nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, NO is an important molecule in maintaining healthy blood vessel function. Dietary nitrate, found in leafy greens, can serve as an alternative source of nitric oxide in the body. After ingestion, nitrate is converted to nitrite by bacteria residing in the oral cavity. Nitrite can subsequently be converted to NO when swallowed. Therefore, this nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway is dependent on oral bacteria. This study aims to assess whether rinsing the mouth with a nitrate-rich mouth rinse influences blood pressure in healthy adults. Also, concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in plasma and saliva will be measured following the nitrate-mouth rinse exposure.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥18 years of age; and * clinic blood pressure \<140/\<90 mmHg. Exclusion criteria: * hypertension; * systemic medication (other than the oral contraceptive pill); * antibiotic treatment within the last 3 months; * active smoking status and BMI \> 30; * prior gastric by-pass surgery; * self-reported use of antiseptic mouthwash or toothpaste; * self-reported use of tongue scrapes; and * active periodontal disease or caries that needs treatment.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Blood pressure before and at regular intervals within the 24 hours after nitrate exposure.

Timeframe: Baseline (prior to nitrate exposure) and during the 24 hours after nitrate exposure.

Oral nitrite production before and at regular intervals within the 24 hours after nitrate exposure.

Timeframe: Baseline (prior to nitrate exposure) and during the 24 hours after nitrate exposure

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07602764

SponsorGöteborg University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-12

Contact for this trial

Simeon KB Mavropoulos, DDS, MSc

+46766185930 simeon.mavropoulos@gu.se

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Blood Pressure Regulation trials