๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-27

The Impact of Heavy Alcohol Use on Saliva and Oral Health (NCT06684483)

Quantifying Associations of Stress and Inflammation-Associated Oral Biomarkers With Oral Health, Oral Health Behaviors, Systemic Biomarkers and Clinical Phenotype in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Interventional Protocol ๐Ÿ“Š Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a higher rate of dental and gum disease. Poor oral health can increase the risk of other diseases, such as diabetes and stroke. Researchers want to learn more about how to identify developing inflammation in the mouth. They also want to know how improved oral health education and behaviors can affect inflammation in people with AUD. Objective: This study has 2 goals: (1) to test the usefulness of a new questionnaire about oral health and (2) to learn more about how oral health behaviors affect inflammation in people with AUD. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older who are staying on an inpatient unit being treated for AUD. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: The study is divided into 2 parts: People will participate in either one part or the other. In part 1, participants will have 1 visit. They will have a physical exam. They will answer 18 questions for a survey about how they care for their teeth. In part 2, participants with AUD will have a physical exam. They will provide saliva and blood samples. They will have a dental exam with X-rays. They will fill out questionnaires about their health, mental health, social habits, diet, and sleep. They will keep a diary of their nicotine use for 4 weeks while inpatient. Healthy volunteers will have 1 visit. They will have a physical exam and provide blood and saliva samples. They will have a dental exam with X-rays. They will fill out questionnaires.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center โ€” Bethesda, Maryland

Age range: 18 Years to 100 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center โ€” Bethesda, Maryland

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (202) 839-7356

Email: chantal.gerrard@nih.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—