Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Womens Health Screening and the Oral Microbiome

This research project is all about understanding how women's oral health changes during menopause. We know that as women get older and their hormone levels change, they can be more prone to issues like dry mouth, burning mouth, or gum disease. This study aims to find out if these changes are linked to hormone levels and the types of bacteria found in the mouth. We'll also look at overall health, like blood pressure and cholesterol, as poor mouth health can sometimes be connected to other health problems. Finally, part of the study will test a common mouthwash (Listerine) to see if it can help improve mouth health for menopausal women. The goal is to give women better dental care at this stage of life.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Plymouth

Enrolment target

240

Start

01 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2029

Oral Health Menopause Gum Disease Mouthwash

What is this study about?

This research project aims to understand how changes in a woman's body during menopause might affect her mouth and overall health. As women get older, especially during menopause, they often experience changes like dry mouth, burning sensations, or more gum problems. Scientists don't fully understand why this happens, but it might be connected to changes in female hormone levels.

We want to explore if there's a link between these hormone changes, the types of bacteria living in the mouth (known as the oral microbiome), and various mouth health issues. Modern science allows us to look at all the different bacteria in the mouth at once, helping us identify which ones are linked to a healthy mouth and which might cause problems. We'll also check general health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, as we know that mouth health can sometimes be connected to wider body health. This helps us see the 'bigger picture' of your health.

Finally, this study also wants to find out if a common over-the-counter mouthwash, like Listerine, can make a difference to the mouth health of women going through menopause. By gathering all this information, we hope to improve the dental care and advice available to women during this important stage of their lives, making sure treatments are effective for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study explores how menopause and changing hormones affect women's mouth health.
It investigates the link between hormones, mouth bacteria, and issues like dry mouth or gum disease.
Researchers will also check general health factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.
A common mouthwash will be tested to see if it helps improve mouth health for menopausal women.
The aim is to improve dental care and advice for women as they get older.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 or older who are current patients at Peninsula Dental School. We're interested in women with all kinds of mouth health, whether it's healthy or not.

To make sure the study results are clear, we can only include women who have been female since birth and haven't taken any hormones for gender transition. We also need to know if you're taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as this is important information for the study.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes (Type 1 or 2), wear full dentures, are taking medicines that affect your immune system, or have used an antimicrobial mouthwash (a strong germ-killing mouthwash) in the last three months. Also, for certain tests, you'll need to avoid eating for three hours and avoid specific nitrate-rich foods (like some leafy greens) for 48 hours before your appointment.

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.

Are you a woman aged 18 or over?
Are you a current patient at Peninsula Dental School?
Were you female from birth and have not taken gender transition hormones?
Do you not have a diagnosis of Type 1 or 2 diabetes?
Do you not wear full dentures?
Have you avoided antimicrobial mouthwash in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll visit the clinic for appointments. During these visits, we will gently collect samples from your mouth, like saliva and plaque, and take measurements of your gums and teeth. We will also take some measurements of your general health, such as your blood pressure, and collect a small blood sample. You will also be asked to breathe into a device for a breath test and to try a common over-the-counter mouthwash as part of the study.

We will ask you some questions about your health and how your mouth feels. The study doesn't involve any new or experimental treatments, just standard assessments and a widely available mouthwash. We can't give an exact total duration without more details, but it will involve some clinic visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand mouth health in menopausal women, potentially leading to improved dental care for many. While there are no direct benefits to your health from participating, you'll receive a general health check-up including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, which might give you useful information. Risks are generally low; you might feel a little discomfort from having mouth samples taken or from the blood test. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Peninsula Dental School
Verified postcode
Plymouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the 'oral microbiome'?

It's the name for all the tiny germs, like bacteria, that naturally live in your mouth. We want to see how these change during menopause.

Will I have to take new medicine?

No, you won't be given any new medicines. Part of the study involves using a common, over-the-counter mouthwash like Listerine.

What kind of mouth problems are you looking at?

We're interested in common issues like dry mouth, burning mouth, and gum disease, and how they link to hormone changes.

Will I get my test results?

You will receive some general health measurements like blood pressure and cholesterol, which can be useful for you to know.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Zoe Brookes L Professor, PhD, BDS, Bsc

zoe.brookes@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 586828 Official trial record

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