Cash for cavity prevention: rewards boost Kids' toothbrushing?

NCT ID NCT03576326

Completed Prevention Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether offering small financial rewards (like a drawing for a prize) could motivate parents to brush their young children's teeth more often. About 244 families with kids in Early Head Start programs took part. The goal was to see if the reward program increased the number of times per week parents brushed their child's teeth for at least one minute.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: financial incentive drawing program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve toothbrushing habits in young children and reduce cavities.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial focused on behavior change, not a direct medical treatment. Results may not apply to all families or lead to lasting changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DENTAL CARIES are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Dental Plaque Health Behavior dental caries prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DENTAL CARIES DENTAL PLAQUE ORAL HYGIENE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONS TOOTHBRUSHING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Venice Family Clinic Children First Early Head Start

Santa Monica, California, 90405-1828, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.