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GingivitisGEM-CHX012NCT07088653

MicroRepair® ABX vs Chlorhexidine 0.12% in Gingivitis Patients

A study testing MicroRepair ABX mouthwash and Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash in people with Gingivitis and Dental Plaque, run by University of Pavia at 1 site in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled clinical trial is designed to compare the adjunctive effects of two mouthwashes used after professional biofilm removal in patients with generalized plaque-induced gingivitis, a reversible inflammatory condition caused by dental plaque accumulation. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Gingivitis, Dental Plaque, Gingival Inflammation
What is being tested?
MicroRepair ABX mouthwash and Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
30 Aug 2025to 10 Mar 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged between 18 and 70 years
  • Presence of generalized plaque-induced gingivitis, defined by bleeding on probing (BoP) ≥30% in the absence of clinical attachment loss, with probing pocket depth ≤3 mm at ≥90% of sites
  • At least 20 natural teeth
  • Good general health (ASA I or II)
  • Signed written informed consent
  • Willingness to comply with study protocol and attend all follow-up visits

Who cannot join

  • Periodontitis, defined as interdental clinical attachment loss (CAL) at ≥2 non-adjacent teeth
  • Systemic conditions known to affect periodontal status, including diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiencies
  • Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory therapy within the previous 3 months
  • Professional dental prophylaxis within the previous 3 months
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known allergy to chlorhexidine or MicroRepair components
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Use of orthodontic appliances or removable prostheses
  • Smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day
  • Participation in other clinical trials within the previous 6 months

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site
  • Unit of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry - Section of Dentistry - Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatrics - University of Pavia

    Pavia, Lombardy, 27100

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Clinical and Salivary aMMP-8 Evaluation of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Versus MicroRepair® ABX Mouthwash in the Non-Surgical Management of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled clinical trial is designed to compare the adjunctive effects of two mouthwashes used after professional biofilm removal in patients with generalized plaque-induced gingivitis, a reversible inflammatory condition caused by dental plaque accumulation. The two interventions under investigation are a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash, commonly used as a reference antiseptic, and a MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash containing a multi-component antibacterial complex composed of cetylpyridinium chloride, magnolol, and honokiol, combined with biomimetic hydroxyapatite.

All participants will receive standardized professional oral hygiene treatment according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. Following this procedure, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two study groups and instructed to use the allocated mouthwash twice daily for 14 days as an adjunct to routine oral hygiene.

Read more

Clinical outcomes will include measures of gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation, such as Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) and Full-Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS), along with additional periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession). Treatment-related effects such as tooth staining and dentinal hypersensitivity will also be evaluated. A biological outcome will be assessed through the measurement of salivary levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), a biomarker associated with periodontal inflammation. Patient-reported outcomes, including perceptions of gingival condition, oral comfort, and taste acceptability, will also be collected.

Participants will be followed for 6 months. The study aims to determine whether the MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash provides clinical, biological, and patient-reported outcomes comparable to those of chlorhexidine when used as an adjunct to professional biofilm removal in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis.

Read the detailed description

Gingivitis is the most common reversible form of periodontal disease and is primarily caused by the accumulation of bacterial biofilm along the gingival margin. Chlorhexidine digluconate is widely used as an adjunct to professional oral hygiene; however, its use may be associated with adverse effects such as tooth staining, taste alteration, and mucosal irritation. In recent years, alternative formulations combining antibacterial agents and biomimetic hydroxyapatite have been investigated for their potential role in plaque control and gingival inflammation management.

This randomized, controlled, monocentric clinical trial aims to compare the clinical and biological effects of a mouthwash containing a multi-component antibacterial complex (MicroRepair® ABX), composed of cetylpyridinium chloride, magnolol, and honokiol combined with biomimetic hydroxyapatite, with those of a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash in patients with generalized plaque-induced gingivitis. Forty adult participants will be randomly assigned to receive professional oral hygiene followed by 14 days of adjunctive use of either the MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash or the 0.12% CHX mouthwash.

The primary endpoint is the reduction in gingival bleeding, assessed by the Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS). Secondary outcomes include changes in dental plaque accumulation (Full-Mouth Plaque Score, FMPS), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (REC), salivary levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), tooth staining assessed by the Modified Lobene Stain Index, dentinal hypersensitivity assessed by the Schiff Air Index, and patient-reported outcomes related to oral perception and tolerability.

Participants will be followed at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. This study is designed to evaluate whether the tested multi-component mouthwash provides clinical and biological outcomes comparable to those of chlorhexidine when used as an adjunct to professional oral hygiene in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis.

Being tested
MicroRepair ABX mouthwash, Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash
Keywords
Chlorhexidine 0.12%, MicroRepair ABX, Gingivitis, Dental Plaque, Gingival Inflammation, Mouthwash, Oral Hygiene, Guided Biofilm Therapy, aMMP-8, Randomized Controlled Trial
Medical subject headings
Gingivitis, Dental Plaque

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • MicroRepair ABX mouthwashDrug

    Also called MicroRepair® ABX

    Participants begin at T0 (baseline) with clinical assessments, oral hygiene instruction, and the start of a 14-day home regimen using MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash. The formulation contains zinc-hydroxyapatite with antibacterial agents (cetylpyridinium chloride, magnolol, honokiol). Mouthwash is used twice daily (10 mL for 30 seconds) without rinsing, and participants avoid food or drink for 1 hour afterward. All participants use the same sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-free toothpaste (Biorepair®) throughout the study.

  • Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwashDrug

    Also called Chlorhexidine 0.12%

    Participants begin at T0 (baseline) with clinical assessments, oral hygiene instruction, and the start of a 14-day home regimen using 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. Mouthwash is used twice daily (10 mL for 30 seconds) without rinsing, and participants avoid food or drink for 1 hour afterward. All participants use the same SLS-free toothpaste (Biorepair®) throughout the study.

Study groups in NCT07088653
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
MicroRepair® ABX Mouthwash GroupExperimentalParticipants assigned to the experimental group will undergo baseline clinical assessments (T0) followed by professional supragingival prophylaxis according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. Standardized oral hygiene instructions will be provided. Participants will then use a MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash, containing cetylpyridinium chloride, magnolol, honokiol, and biomimetic hydroxyapatite, twice daily for 14 days.
Receives: Drug: MicroRepair ABX mouthwash
0.12% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash GroupActive comparatorParticipants assigned to the comparator group will undergo baseline clinical assessments (T0), followed by professional supragingival prophylaxis performed according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol, including plaque disclosure, ultrasonic instrumentation (EMS Piezon), and air polishing with glycine powder. Standardized oral hygiene instructions will be provided. After this initial phase, participants will be instructed to use a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash twice daily for 14 days.
Receives: Drug: Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in gingival inflammation assessed by Full Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS)

    FMBS measures the percentage of bleeding sites after gentle probing at four sites per tooth (mesial, buccal, distal, lingual). It reflects the presence and severity of gingival inflammation. Scores range from 0% (no bleeding) to 100% (bleeding at all sites). A higher FMBS indicates more severe gingival inflammation. Comparison of FMBS over time will be used to assess clinical response to treatment.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Change in plaque accumulation assessed by Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS)

    The Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS) quantifies the percentage of tooth surfaces with visible dental plaque, assessed after plaque disclosure at four sites per tooth (mesial, buccal, distal, lingual). The score is calculated as the number of plaque-positive sites divided by the total number of sites ×100. Scores range from 0% (no plaque) to 100% (plaque on all surfaces). Lower scores indicate better oral hygiene. FMPS will be compared between groups across time points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  2. Change in periodontal probing depth assessed by Probing Pocket Depth (PPD)

    Periodontal probing depth (PPD) is defined as the distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket, measured in millimeters using a calibrated periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy PCP UNC 15). PPD is assessed at six sites per tooth (mesiobuccal, midbuccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual, midlingual, distolingual). For each participant, a mean PPD value is calculated at each time point. Typical scores range from 1 mm (healthy sulcus) to ≥7 mm (advanced pocket), with higher values indicating more severe periodontal inflammation or attachment loss. The primary endpoint is the change in mean PPD from baseline (T0) to 6 months (T4), comparing the two intervention groups: MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash regimen versus 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash regimen.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  3. Change in clinical attachment level assessed by Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)

    Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) is the distance from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the bottom of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket, measured in millimeters at six sites per tooth with a calibrated periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy PCP UNC 15). Scores typically range from 0 mm (healthy attachment) to ≥7 mm (severe attachment loss). Higher values indicate more severe periodontal damage. CAL will be compared between groups across time points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  4. Change in gingival recession assessed by Recession (REC)

    Gingival Recession (REC) is defined as the distance in millimeters between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the gingival margin, measured at six sites per tooth with a calibrated periodontal probe. Scores typically range from 0 mm (no recession) to ≥5 mm (advanced recession). Higher values indicate greater apical migration of the gingival margin. REC will be compared between groups across time points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  5. Change in extrinsic staining assessed by Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI)

    The Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI) assesses extrinsic tooth staining on buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces. Each surface is scored for stain area and intensity, with total scores ranging from 0 (no stain) to 3 (severe stain). Higher scores indicate more pronounced extrinsic discoloration. Index scores will be compared between groups across time points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  6. Change in dentin hypersensitivity assessed by Schiff Air Index (SAI)

    The Schiff Air Index (SAI) measures dentinal hypersensitivity in response to an air stimulus applied to the cervical area of the tooth. Scores range from 0 (no response) to 3 (painful response and request to stop). Higher scores indicate greater dentinal hypersensitivity. Scores will be compared between groups across time points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

  7. Change in salivary inflammation assessed by activated Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) levels

    Active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) is a salivary biomarker of periodontal inflammation, measured with a commercial immunoenzymatic test (aMMP-8 Test®, Biomolecular Diagnostic). Results are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Reference ranges: <8 ng/mL = no inflammation; 9-19 ng/mL = mild inflammation; ≥20 ng/mL = severe inflammation. aMMP-8 levels will be compared between groups from baseline (T0) to 2 weeks (T1).

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1)

  8. Change in taste perception assessed by a validated taste alteration questionnaire

    Taste perception will be evaluated using a validated patient-reported questionnaire that explores the presence and severity of taste alterations (e.g., bitter, metallic, or unpleasant taste). Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale: 0 = no alteration, 1 = mild alteration, 2 = moderate alteration, 3 = severe alteration, 4 = very severe alteration. The total score reflects the degree of dysgeusia perceived by the patient. Mean scores will be compared between groups at each time point to assess tolerability of the mouthwashes.

    Measured: 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Jul 2025
  2. Study start30 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completion28 Feb 2026
  4. Study completion10 Mar 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07088653
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025-CHX0.12vsABX
Acronym
GEM-CHX012
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
19 Jul 2025
Last updated
23 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Data will be available upon motivated request to the corresponding authors.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing MicroRepair ABX mouthwash and Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash in people with Gingivitis and Dental Plaque, run by University of Pavia at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in gingival inflammation assessed by Full Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) (time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Apr 2026.

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