Could a simple WhatsApp nudge cut childhood tooth decay?

NCT ID NCT07765654

Not yet recruiting Prevention Sponsor: King Abdulaziz University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether sending oral health tips via WhatsApp to mothers, in addition to standard face-to-face advice, improves their knowledge and their children's toothbrushing habits. Mothers of children aged 3 to 6 will receive either usual education alone or with 16 additional WhatsApp messages over eight weeks. The goal is to see if the extra digital reminders lead to better brushing practices and help prevent tooth decay in young children.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: WhatsApp-based oral health messages as an adjunct to face-to-face education
What this could lead to: If effective, this low-cost digital approach could help prevent tooth decay in young children by improving mothers' knowledge and children's brushing habits.
What could go wrong: The trial is small and short-term, and results may not generalize beyond this setting. Success depends on mothers' engagement with the messages.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dental caries Health Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DENTAL CARIES EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIESV HEALTH BEHAVIOR ORAL HEALTH ORAL HYGIENE

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