Could a Light-Activated dye replace antibiotics for gum infections?
NCT ID NCT03576105
First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) using methylene blue can control early-stage pericoronitis, a painful gum infection around partially erupted wisdom teeth. Thirty-four healthy young adults with early pericoronitis will receive either standard irrigation or PDT, and researchers will measure changes in bacteria, inflammation, pain, swelling, and quality of life after four days. The goal is to see if this light-based treatment can stop the infection from worsening without antibiotics.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- photodynamic therapy with methylene blue
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a non-antibiotic way to control early pericoronitis, reducing the need for systemic antibiotics.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 34 participants. The treatment is tested only in mild, initial-stage pericoronitis, so results may not apply to more severe cases.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Nove de Julho University
São Paulo, 01504-001, Brazil