Could toothbrushing drills in schools cut childhood cavities?
NCT ID NCT07808203
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
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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
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About 2,040 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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3 to 9 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide 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
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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