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Dental CalculusAntiCalNCT07689071

Bio-Descaling Toothpaste for Dental Calculus Reduction

A study testing Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) Toothpaste in people with Dental Calculus and Gingivitis and Periodontal Diseases, run by Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Dental calculus is a calcified mineralized plaque composed primarily of calcium phosphate salts covered by an unmineralized bacterial biofilm layer. It provides a substrate for bacterial colonization and soft biofilm retention, promoting the growth of pathogenic plaque, further calculus formation, gingival tissue… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) Toothpaste
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
100 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
Jul 2026to Jan 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with a healthy but reduced periodontium undergoing a supportive periodontal care (SPC) program and/or patients with biofilm induced gingivitis, fulfilling the following criteria:
  • Aged 18 years and older;
  • Systemically healthy, following the criteria of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), type I or II;
  • Having at least 10 opposing teeth units with presence of at least three natural lower anterior teeth;
  • Presenting at least 1.5 mm of calculus width on the lingual surface of at least one mandibular anterior teeth (Volpe-Manhold index of at least 1.5 in the lingual side of at least one of the lower anterior teeth) ;
  • For patients in SPC, for at least 6 months, and the last tooth cleaning at least 3 months before, fulfilling the end point criteria of periodontal therapy [no pockets ≥ 6 mm or > 4 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP)] . Localized pockets of 6 mm, without bleeding on probing, are allowed, except in the anterior-inferior sextant.
  • Agree to follow the study instructions, including adherence to study arm treatment, for the study timeline.

Who cannot join

  • Subjects will be excluded from participating in the study if:
  • Pregnancy: pregnant women at high risk of developing gum inflammation that usually occurs during pregnancy, which could introduce bias to the study;
  • Any physical handicap, psychological or health conditions that might jeopardize the ability of the patient to brush his/ her teeth, these complications may cause bias in the study. Smokers of 10 or more cigarettes per day will be excluded (Dietrich, Bernimoulin, \& Glynn, 2004);
  • Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs taken within 1 month prior to the study, to avoid bias when assessing the gum health;
  • Currently using chlorhexidine or other antiseptic products, since these products can affect biofilm and calculus formation, therefore they can introduce bias in the assessment of calculus removal by our toothpaste;
  • Sensitivity to tartar-control toothpastes;
  • Unable to return for evaluations/study recalls, to avoid the significant loss in the number of participants.

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Mariano Sanz contact

913942010

marsan@ucm.es

About this study

Official title: Efficacy of a Novel Toothpaste Containing a Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) in Reducing Dental Calculus: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Dental calculus is a calcified mineralized plaque composed primarily of calcium phosphate salts covered by an unmineralized bacterial biofilm layer. It provides a substrate for bacterial colonization and soft biofilm retention, promoting the growth of pathogenic plaque, further calculus formation, gingival tissue inflammation, that could progress to periodontitis and tooth loss. Therefore, removal of dental calculus and prevention of its formation are important for maintaining periodontal health.

Professional mechanical removal remains the most effective approach to control existing dental calculus; however, it is labor-intensive and represents a burden for patients in terms of costs and access to oral health professionals. Several toothpastes have been developed to dissolve and soften mineralized deposits using abrasive and/or chemical agents. Nevertheless, highly abrasive formulations may damage tooth structures and only reduce approximately 30-50% of dental calculus, while dentifrices containing mineralization and crystallization inhibitors can prevent calculus formation but are unable to remove already formed deposits.

Read more

To address these limitations, a Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) toothpaste has recently been introduced with the aim of removing existing dental calculus. Preliminary clinical evidence showed that the amount of calculus removed with D-Tart toothpaste was five times greater than that achieved with Colgate Total® toothpaste.

Given the high prevalence of periodontal diseases and the potential role of dental calculus in their initiation and progression, effective strategies for calculus removal and prevention are of considerable clinical interest. The use of an effective toothpaste could reduce the need for professional periodontal interventions or shorten treatment time, thereby decreasing costs and patient burden.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP)-containing toothpaste, compared with a placebo toothpaste, in decreasing the presence of already formed dental calculus.

Read the detailed description

Dental calculus is a calcified mineralized plaque, composed primarily of calcium phosphate salts covered by an unmineralized bacterial biofilm layer. It is firmly attached to the tooth, fills the pits and irregularities of tooth surfaces and attaches to the exposed dental roots). It offers a substrate for bacteria colonization, soft biofilm retention and subsequently the growth of pathogenic plaque. This leads to further calculus formation and gingival tissue inflammation that could progress to periodontitis and tooth loss. Removal of dental calculus, and prevention of calculus formation, are, therefore, important to maintain adequate periodontal health.

The most effective approach to control already present dental calculus is to remove it professionally, by mechanical means, by dentists and dental hygienists at the dental clinic. This labor-intensive procedure poses a burden to patients in terms of costs and access to oral health professionals. Therefore, there has been substantial interest in the development and implementation of approaches that will reduce this burden. In this regard, newly introduced toothpastes have been designed aiming to dissolve and soften the mineralized deposits, using abrasive and/or chemical agents. However, toothpastes enriched with strong abrasives could damage the tooth structures, and are only able to reduce approximately 30-50% of dental calculus, while dentifrices containing mineralization and crystallization inhibitors can only prevent the calculus formation, and not remove calculus already formed.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no toothpaste that efficiently removes existing calculus deposits from teeth. Therefore, recently a new product has been introduced to overcome the limitations of previous agents: Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) toothpaste is a new toothpaste (Visionaturolab Inc., QC, Canada) that aims to remove dental calculus. In a clinical trial, the calculus removed using D-Tart toothpaste was five times higher than that removed with Colgate Total® toothpaste.

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are amongst the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide and in North America, in Europe and in Spain. According to the 2007/09 Canadian Health Measures Survey, 16% of Canadian adults and 24% of older adults, 60 to 79 years of age, were found to have moderate periodontitis. Moreover, 11% of Canadian adults were found to have calculus scores in the highest range. On the other hand, recent reports on the prevalence of periodontitis in the USA showed that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontitis and 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. The estimates also showed that the expenditure for periodontal treatments in the USA is about approximately $ 14.3 billion. More recently, estimations have been calculated as an estimated loss of $154.06B in the USA and €158.64B in Europe, in 2018.

Since dental calculus may play an important role in initiation and progression of periodontal diseases, investigation and investment on technologies to prevent periodontal diseases are important for any health care system and its end-users. Furthermore, the removal of dental calculus and the prevention of its formation, using an effective toothpaste, could reduce the need for professional periodontal interventions or the time of these treatments that in turn will reduce their cost and other burdens on patients.

The aim of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy of a Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP)-containing toothpaste, compared to a placebo toothpaste, in decreasing the presence of already formed dental calculus.

Being tested
Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) Toothpaste, Placebo toothpaste
Keywords
dental calculus, calculus removal, Bio-descaling powder toothpaste, Periodontal Maintenance, Gingival inflammation, Supportive Periodontal Care, Periodontal diseases
Medical subject headings
Dental Calculus, Gingivitis, Periodontal Diseases

What participants receive

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

  • Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) ToothpasteOther

    Participants will be provided with the toothpaste (containing Bio-Descaling Powder) and standard advice on tooth brushing for those patients not enrolled in a SPC program (modified Stillman brushing technique, starting with the lower arch, brushing for 2 minutes, twice daily), and the use of 1 gr (pea size) of the assigned toothpaste. Patients' interdental hygiene habits will not be modified. The participant will be asked to mark a calendar each time they brushed their teeth with the allocated toothpaste, and to bring the toothpaste tubes and tooth brushes for assessment at each evaluation session in order to monitor their adherence to the trial instructions. They will be instructed to not use mouthwashes or other toothpastes for the duration of the study.

  • Placebo toothpasteOther

    Participants will receive a placebo toothpaste provided in identical packaging and standard advice on tooth brushing for those patients not enrolled in a SPC program (modified Stillman brushing technique, starting with the lower arch, brushing for 2 minutes, twice daily), and the use of 1 gr (pea size) of the assigned toothpaste. Patients' interdental hygiene habits will not be modified. The participant will be asked to mark a calendar each time they brushed their teeth with the allocated toothpaste, and to bring the toothpaste tubes and tooth brushes for assessment at each evaluation session in order to monitor their adherence to the trial instructions. They will be instructed to not use mouthwashes or other toothpastes for the duration of the study.

Study groups in NCT07689071
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) ToothpasteExperimentalParticipants assigned to this arm will use a toothpaste containing Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) for 6 weeks according to standardized oral hygiene instructions. Clinical assessments will be performed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks to evaluate dental calculus accumulation, gingival inflammation, plaque levels, and other periodontal parameters. At the end of the trial (6-week visit), the participants will be received professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR).
Receives: Other: Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) Toothpaste
Placebo ToothpastePlacebo comparatorParticipants assigned to this arm will use a placebo toothpaste with identical packaging and standardized oral hygiene instructions for 6 weeks. Clinical assessments will be performed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks to evaluate dental calculus accumulation, gingival inflammation, plaque levels, and other periodontal parameters. At the end of the trial (6-week visit), the participants will be received professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR).
Receives: Other: Placebo toothpaste

What is being measured

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

  1. Change in dental calculus accumulation

    The calculus accumulation will be measured on the lingual aspect of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Volpe-Manhold Calculus Index score (Volpe et al., 1965). For values less than 0.5, the assessment should be 0. At this stage, dental plaque will be mechanically removed from the lingual area of the 5th sextant, by the clinician, in order to remove soft deposits, for a more accurate evaluation of the presence of calculus. After toothbrushing, the area of interest will be dried with the dental unit syringe.

    Furthermore, an intra oral scanner will be used to scan lower anterior teeth in order to quantify reduction in calculus volume. In addition, a photograph of the lingual side of the 5th sextant will be taken to further assess calculus presence. At the time of taking clinical photographs, their quality taken will be checked.

    Measured: From Baseline to 6 weeks

  2. Change in gingival inflammation

    Bleeding on probing (BOP) by dichotomous assessment of bleeding after gentle probing, at six sites per tooth (Ainamo \& Bay, 1975). Furthermore, an intra oral scanner will be used to scan lower anterior teeth, to assess adjacent gingival tissues, in order to quantify the reduction in gingival inflammation.

    Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes (17)
  1. Change in plaque levels

    The plaque accumulated on the buccal and lingual surfaces of all teeth will be assessed using a dichotomous plaque index (PlI), (Quigley \& Hein, 1962; Turesky, Gilmore, \& Glickman, 1970), assessing six areas per tooth, visually, and/or with the periodontal probe, identifying the presence of plaque.

    Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks

  2. Change in extrinsic stains

    The extrinsic stains on the buccal surfaces of the lower and upper central and lateral incisors will be quantified using the Gründemann (Grundemann, Timmerman, Ijzerman, van der Weijden, \& van der Weijden, 2000) modification of staining index (GMSI), modified by Koertge and Gunsolley (Koertge, Gunsolley, Domke, \& Nelson, 1993), by evaluating one standardized clinical photograph, with teeth in edge-to-edge bite.

    Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks

  3. Change in Probing Pocket Depth

    Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) will be measured in millimeters at six sites per tooth using a periodontal probe. PPD is defined as the distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the periodontal pocket.

    Measured: from baseline to 6 weeks

  4. Change in gingival recession

    Gingival Recession (REC) will be measured in millimeters at six sites per tooth as the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the gingival margin, allowing for the calculation of clinical attachment level (CAL).

    Measured: From Baseline to 6 weeks

  5. Acidity (pH) of the participants' saliva

    The acidity (pH) of the participants' saliva will be measured using a pH meter, after collecting unstimulated saliva samples for 5 min (in order to collect 2.5 ml). Unstimulated whole saliva, directly expectorated, will be collected in sterile test tubes. The subjects will be instructed to fast (not drinking coffee or tea, or eating), and not to smoke for at least one hour prior to the saliva collection\. Salivary pH will be measured after collection using a pH meter (Crison® micropH 2001 pH-meter). Samples will be immediately transported to the laboratory for pH evaluation, determination of volume and proper conservation for additional processing.

    Measured: From baseline to 6 weeks

  6. Patient-reported taste acceptability of the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The taste of the toothpaste is pleasant" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree, 2 = Rather disagree, 3 = Rather agree, 4 = Totally agree). A questionnaire will be used.

    Measured: at the 3-week and 6-week visit

  7. Patient-reported texture acceptability of the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The consistency of the toothpaste is pleasant" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3-week and 6-week visit

  8. Patient-reported perception of tooth cleanliness after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The toothpaste provides a sensation of clean teeth" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree). A questionnaire will be used.

    Measured: at the 3-week and 6-week visit

  9. Patient-reported perception of healthier teeth after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The toothpaste provides a sensation of healthier teeth" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3-week and 6-week visit

  10. Patient-reported perception of fresh breath after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The toothpaste provides a sensation of fresh breath" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  11. Patient-reported perception of the effectiveness of the assigned toothpaste in removing dental plaque

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The toothpaste effectively helps remove dental plaque" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  12. Patient-reported perception of the effectiveness of the assigned toothpaste in removing dental calculus

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "The toothpaste effectively helps reduce dental calculus" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  13. Patient-reported tooth and oral mucosal staining after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "I have noticed increased staining of my teeth or oral mucosa" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree, 2 = Rather disagree, 3 = Rather agree, 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  14. Patient-reported dry mouth after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "I have noticed a drier mouth" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  15. Patient-reported altered taste perception after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "I have noticed changes in my perception of taste" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  16. Patient-reported oral burning, soreness, or other oral mucosal problems after using the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "I have noticed burning, soreness, or other problems in my oral mucosa" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree)

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

  17. Overall patient satisfaction with the assigned toothpaste

    Patient-reported rating of the statement "My overall evaluation of the toothpaste is very positive" using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Totally disagree to 4 = Totally agree).

    Measured: at the 3- and 6-week visit

Timeline

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

  1. First posted8 Jul 2026
  2. Study startJul 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionJan 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJan 2027 (estimated)

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
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
100 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07689071
Sponsor's protocol ID
24/825-EC_X
Acronym
AntiCal
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
26 Jun 2026
Last updated
8 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Bio-Descaling Powder (BDP) Toothpaste in people with Dental Calculus and Gingivitis and Periodontal Diseases, run by Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

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 7 inclusion and 7 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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

Contact Mariano Sanz (913942010, marsan@ucm.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in dental calculus accumulation (time frame: From Baseline to 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 8 Jul 2026.

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