At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Spatial Organization of Viridans Streptococci in Oral Biofilms
In Brief
An observational study for Dental Caries and 2 related conditions. Completed, across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This study will examine the composition of dental plaque-a naturally occurring substance that sticks to the teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. A better understanding of how plaque builds up in the mouth may help in developing improved ways of controlling it. Healthy normal volunteers between the ages of 18 and 65 who work at the National Institutes of Health main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, may participate in this study. Candidates will be screened for eligibility with a medical and dental history. This study involves a maximum of five visits to the dental clinic. At the first visit, participants will have a dental examination, and a mold will be made of the mouth. To make the mold, a small plastic tray containing impression material will be placed in the volunteer's mouth and held in place for about 2 minutes to set. The tray will then be removed and a mold will be made from the impression. The mold will be used to make the mouthpiece used in study 1, described below, and the tooth fittings used in study 2, also described below. Volunteers will participate in one of these two studies. Study 1. Volunteers in study 1 will have their mouthpiece checked at the second visit, have a teeth cleaning, and have the mold put in place. The mouthpiece will be worn for up to 8 hours, during which time soft foods can be eaten. Mouthwash should not be used while the device is in place. At the volunteer's third (last) visit, the mouthpiece will be removed and the volunteer will spit into a tube to collect saliva for examination for bacteria. Study 2. Volunteers in study 2 will have their teeth cleaned at the second visit and the tooth fittings placed onto the back teeth with a dental adhesive. The fittings will be worn for up to 72 hours, during which time volunteers can eat a regular diet and brush their teeth. Mouthwash should not be used while the fittings are in place. At the third, fourth and fifth visits, some of the fittings will be removed and, if necessary, the tooth surface will be polished. The last of the fittings will be removed at the fifth visit and the volunteer will spit into a tube to collect saliva for examination for bacteria.