RecruitingInterventional

Effect of two toothpastes on gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where gums become red, puffy, and bleed when brushing. It is caused by a build-up of bacteria known as plaque. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe dental problems and may even cause inflammation elsewhere in the body. This trial at King's College London compares two common toothpastes: Corsodyl and Aquafresh. Researchers want to find out which paste is better at soothing inflamed gums when combined with expert advice on cleaning your teeth. Adults aged 18 to 65 with bleeding gums can join. Taking part lasts three weeks and involves four clinic visits. You will receive one of the two toothpastes to use at home, have your gums checked, and provide small blood and gum fluid samples to track inflammation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

20 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

Gingivitis

What is this study about?

Gingivitis is a very common condition that causes gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing. It happens when plaque—a sticky layer of everyday bacteria—builds up around the teeth. While good daily brushing and professional dental cleanings are the main ways to treat it, choosing the right toothpaste might give your gums extra support.

Researchers also know that swelling in the mouth might have wider effects. Chronic inflammation in the gums may trigger inflammatory signals throughout the rest of the body. In this study, scientists want to see if treating gingivitis quickly helps calm down inflammation overall.

To explore this, the team is comparing two widely available toothpastes: Corsodyl, which uses baking soda to help clean away plaque, and standard Aquafresh toothpaste. By measuring gum health and checking blood and gum fluid samples, the study hopes to discover which toothpaste works best alongside good brushing habits to protect your oral and general health.

Key takeaways

Tests whether Corsodyl or standard toothpaste works better for swollen gums.
Runs for three weeks with four visits to King's College London.
Open to adults aged 18 to 65 with bleeding gums who do not smoke.
Requires giving small blood and gum fluid samples to measure inflammation.
Both toothpastes are safe and already sold in UK shops.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 65 who have widespread, mild-to-moderate gum inflammation (gums that bleed easily when examined, but without deeper damage or loose teeth).

To keep results reliable, you cannot take part if you have more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), heavy tartar build-up that blocks proper cleaning, or if you currently wear braces. You also cannot join if you currently smoke or have smoked regularly in the past five years.

Finally, people who have taken antibiotics within the last three months, used mouthwash in the last month, or have long-term conditions affecting the immune system—such as diabetes or heart disease—will not be eligible, as these factors can alter inflammation levels.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am between 18 and 65 years old.
My gums often bleed when I brush or floss.
I have not smoked regularly within the last 5 years.
I do not wear fixed braces.
I have not used antibiotics in the last 3 months or mouthwash in the last month.
I do not have diabetes or heart disease.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join, your participation will last for three weeks and include four short visits to a dental clinic at King's College London. At the start, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups to receive either Corsodyl or Aquafresh toothpaste. Neither you nor the study team checking your gums will know which one you received until the study ends.

You will brush with your assigned toothpaste at home and follow professional brushing advice given by the dental team. You will return for check-ups on Day 7, Day 14, and Day 21. During these visits, a dentist will check how healthy your gums look. They will also collect tiny swabs of fluid from around your gums and a standard blood sample to measure inflammation.

Potential risks and benefits

You may benefit from regular expert dental checks and free advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, there is no guarantee your gum health will improve more than it would with regular brushing. Because both toothpastes are already sold in high street shops, they are considered very safe. Having your gums examined can sometimes feel slightly tender or cause minor bleeding, and giving a blood sample may cause brief discomfort or a small bruise. Joining is entirely your choice, and you can change your mind and stop at any time without your normal dental or medical care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is the main purpose of this study?

To see if Corsodyl toothpaste reduces gum inflammation better than a standard commercial toothpaste over three weeks, and whether this helps reduce inflammation in the wider body.

Can I pick which toothpaste I get?

No. A computer randomly decides which toothpaste you receive to keep the test fair, and neither you nor the examining dentist will know which one you have.

Are the toothpastes safe to use?

Yes. Both are well-established toothpastes that are widely available to buy in UK shops and pharmacies.

Does having my gums checked hurt?

Because your gums are already swollen, touching them during an exam may cause brief stinging or slight bleeding, but this should settle quickly.

Can I keep using my normal mouthwash?

No. You cannot use mouthwash during the study or in the month before joining, as it can hide the true effect of the toothpastes.

How to find out more

Gabriella Wojewodka

gabriella.wojewodka@kcl.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.