Distributed toothpaste & toothbrushing programme for at risk children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RCT of a targeted distributed toothpaste & toothbrushing programme to reduce paediatric general anaesthetic operations for dental procedures in young children from at risk families.
IRAS ID
191883
Contact name
Iain Pretty
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN72962272
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tooth decay in children is a serious health problem; causing pain, poor sleep and missed time from school. At worst, tooth decay means that children have several or all of their time extracted, typically under general anaesthetic; where they are unconscious during the operation. Children and their families may have to wait for this operation and feel worried about it. This can be prevented with good oral health care. Beyond dental care, child welfare and oral health are both public health issues. The benefits of supplying free toothpaste, brushes and guidance information (by post) to all people in a family will be tested. This will be done by comparing families who received the materials (with 3 monthly supplies) with those who receive standard oral health advice. We will see if this has made a difference to reducing the need for further extractions under anaesthetic. Focused samples of families who received the brushing materials will be interviewed to help us understand their experiences, and factors which could help use of this scheme in the future. Those eligible are families identified as ’at risk’; this is where a child in the family has had extractions under anaesthetic. All children 3-10 years or under, in at risk families are eligible within the North West UK, specifically from hospitals at Bolton, Stockport, Salford, Manchester and Trafford. The study will last for 3 years. Study participation involves receiving either usual care or free toothpaste, brushes and tips for use. A small number who receive the packs will receive text message reminders & be interviewed by a researcher in their home. This will be done with one group near the beginning, and one group towards the end of the study. A group of professionals (service commissioners & local authority representatives), will be interviewed by telephone.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0057
Date of REC Opinion
8 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion