Digital vs. Parent Modeled Toothbrushing

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Plaque Reduction

In brief

This prospective randomized controlled trial will aim to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods of delivering oral hygiene instruction to children aged 3 - 6 years: parent-modeled toothbrushing (control) and the MoodBrush digital application (experimental). The primary endpoint is the change in plaque index scores before and after brushing, measured on 12 tooth surfaces using the Silness and Loe Plaque Index. The study rationale is based in the need to identify efficient and engaging strategies to improve pediatric oral hygiene. The expected outcome is that both groups will demonstrate significant reductions in plaque scores, with children using MoodBrush achieving similar, if not greater improvements in plaque index scores. Follow-up includes an immediate post-brushing assessment at the dental visit, with intrarater reliability checks to ensure measurement consistency. Statistical analyses will include paired t-tests to evaluate pre-post changes within groups and two-sample t-tests to compare differences between groups, with significance set at p \< 0.05. A sample size of 112 participants provides 80% power to detect a mean difference of 0.30 in plaque index score reduction.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07441148

Run by

University of Southern California

People needed

112

Starts

2026-01-05

Expected to finish

2027-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-02-27

Who can join

Age: 3 and older, up to 6. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• ASA I or II
• children aged 3-6 years presenting for recall dental visit at AltaMed (Sunflower) clinic or USC Advanced Pediatric Dental Clinic
• must speak English or Spanish, Frankl 3 or 4.

You may not qualify if…

• Physical limitations that would prevent adequate oral hygiene
• Extensive caries preventing accurate readings on plaque index,
• Teeth needed for plaque score have not fully erupted or missing
• If behavior prevents them from cooperating for exam and toothbrushing
• Inability to brush for full two minutes.

Where it is running

• University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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