Brushing teeth during aplasia: safe or risky?

NCT ID NCT03879252

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Angers Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether brushing teeth is safe for patients with prolonged aplasia (low blood cell counts) after intensive chemotherapy. Currently, many hospitals only allow mouthwash to avoid bleeding and infection. The trial compared brushing with an extra-soft toothbrush plus mouthwash versus mouthwash alone in 76 patients. The goal was to see if brushing improves oral health without increasing risks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Toothbrush and mouthwash solution
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow patients with aplasia to brush their teeth safely, improving comfort and well-being during hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed Phase 3 trial with 76 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. There is still a risk of bleeding or infection from brushing.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia acute myeloid leukemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

APLASIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Angers

Angers, France

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