Could toothbrushing drills in schools cut childhood cavities?

NCT ID NCT07808203

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First seen Sep 08, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Researchers in Suzhou, China, are testing whether a comprehensive oral health program in preschools and primary schools can reduce tooth decay. The program includes lessons on oral hygiene, guided toothbrushing and rinsing practice, and support from teachers and parents. About 2,000 children will be split into two groups: one receiving the full program and the other basic oral health education. Over up to three years, the team will track cavities, gum health, and oral hygiene habits to see if the program makes a lasting difference.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
A comprehensive oral health intervention including education, toothbrushing instruction, and behavioral support
What this could lead to
If effective, this program could offer a simple, scalable way to reduce cavities and improve oral hygiene habits in young children.
What could go wrong
The trial is early and relies on children and families following the program consistently. Results may vary across schools and may not apply to other regions.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 2,040 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Oct 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Jun 2029

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

3 to 9 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children in participating preschools or primary schools in selected districts of Suzhou, China. * Children in the first year of preschool or the first grade of primary school at baseline. * Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with severe systemic diseases were excluded. * Children who could not cooperate with the oral examination were excluded. * Children who transferred/moved out during the expected follow-up period were excluded.

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Conditions

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