Caffeine Intake and Periodontal Treatment Outcomes
China90 participantsStarted 2026-08-01
Plain-language summary
This study will explore whether caffeine intake can affect recovery after periodontal (gum) treatment.
Periodontitis is a common gum disease caused by bacteria. Even after treatment, some people may still have ongoing inflammation or changes in oral bacteria. Researchers want to know if daily caffeine intake, such as from coffee, may help improve this condition.
In this study, about 90 adults with periodontitis will receive standard periodontal treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: no caffeine intake, low caffeine intake, or moderate caffeine intake. They will follow these instructions for about 6 months.
Researchers will collect saliva samples and check gum health at several time points after treatment. Saliva will be used to measure inflammation markers and to study changes in oral bacteria. Researchers will also record clinical gum conditions, such as gum pocket depth and bleeding.
The goal of this study is to understand whether caffeine intake can help reduce inflammation, improve oral bacteria balance, and support recovery after periodontal treatment. The results may help provide simple dietary advice to improve long-term gum health.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 55 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:
* Adults aged 18 to 55 years.
* Diagnosed with periodontitis according to the 2018 Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.
* First visit for periodontal treatment and eligible for standard non-surgical periodontal therapy.
* Willing and able to comply with the dietary intervention and scheduled follow-up visits.
* Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
* Able to communicate effectively and complete study questionnaires and follow-up assessments.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning pregnancy during the study period.
* History of periodontal treatment within the previous 6 months.
* Current smokers or tobacco users.
* Use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive agents, or medications known to affect periodontal status within the previous 3 months.
* Presence of systemic diseases that may influence periodontal conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia.
* Severe systemic diseases, psychiatric disorders, or other conditions that may interfere with study participation or protocol compliance.
* Allergy or intolerance to caffeine or inability to comply with the dietary caffeine intervention.
* Individuals with limited hand function or other conditions preventing adequate oral hygiene practices.
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
1
Mean Change From Baseline in Salivary Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Concentration at 2 Weeks, 1 Month, 3 Months, and 6 Months
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after initiation of the intervention
2
Mean Change From Baseline in Salivary Interleukin-1 Beta Concentration at 2 Weeks, 1 Month, 3 Months, and 6 Months
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after initiation of the intervention