Clinical Research Directory

Is Xylitol Toothpaste Effective in Preventing Tooth Decay?

The study will identify children at high caries risk and provide their parents/caregivers with evidence-based, risk-based at-home preventive measures for their infants, including daily use of xylitol or fluoride toothpaste. Infants aged 12-16 months with high caries risk will be invited to participate in the clinical trial. Each infant will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the test group, parents will be asked to use xylitol (25%) toothpaste to brush their toddler's teeth twice daily. Parents in the control group will be asked to use fluoride (1000ppm) toothpaste to brush their toddler's teeth twice daily. Identical oral health instruction and children's diet instruction will be given to every participant's caregivers. For each dental examination, an examiner will assess dental caries and oral hygiene status of infants using a standard charting form. Caregivers will complete a questionnaire. The infants' plaque and saliva will be collected to quantify Streptococcus mutans. Data will be collected at baseline, one-year and two-year follow-ups. The establishment of good oral health-related habits will safeguard and provide sustained benefits for the children. This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of xylitol toothpaste and the risk of high fluoride toothpaste among young children. In the long term, findings from this study could provide the foundation for an effective oral health care promotion programme throughout Hong Kong and beyond. If shown to be effective, the framework could inform the development of oral health policies and promotion programmes to improve the oral health of young children.

Luting Cements for Prefabricated Zirconia Crown Retention in Primary Anterior Teeth in Children

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the long-term clinical performance of three different luting cements used to bond prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) on primary front teeth in young children. The trial will determine whether any single cement offers superior retention, gum health, or marginal sealing compared to the others over a 3-year period. Main Questions: The study aims to answer the following: Are conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer cement (BioCem™), and self-adhesive resin cement (SARC) equivalent in retaining prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary incisors over 36 months? Do these cements differ in their effect on gingival health, plaque accumulation, or marginal discoloration around the cemented crown? Comparison: Researchers will compare three parallel groups of children whose primary incisors are restored with identical prefabricated zirconia crowns but cemented with one of the three different luting cements. Participants will: Receive a clinical and radiographic dental examination at screening. Undergo placement of one or more prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary anterior teeth using their randomly assigned cement. Return to the clinic for blinded follow-up evaluations at 12, 24, and 36 months for assessment of crown retention, gingival health, plaque, and marginal staining.

Comparison of Intraosseous Anesthesia and Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Primary Mandibular Molars

The aim of the present study is to compare computerized intra-osseous injection system to the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block in primary mandibular teeth.

Er:YAG Laser for Dental Cavity Preparation

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Er:YAG laser cavity preparation with conventional rotary instruments in adults who have permanent premolars planned for extraction as part of orthodontic treatment. The main questions the study aims to answer are: How do Er:YAG laser and conventional rotary instruments compare in the time needed for cavity preparation? Do participants experience different levels of pain with the two methods? Which cavity preparation method do participants prefer after experiencing both methods? Are there differences in cavity surface and interface characteristics and microleakage between teeth prepared with the two methods? Researchers will compare Er:YAG laser cavity preparation with conventional rotary cavity preparation using a split-mouth design. Each participant will receive both treatment methods on two different eligible permanent premolars. Participants will: Have one eligible premolar prepared with an Er:YAG laser and another eligible premolar prepared with conventional rotary instruments. Have the two procedures performed at separate visits on different days. Rate their pain after each procedure and indicate which treatment method they would prefer for future dental treatment. Have the study teeth extracted approximately 1 month later, as already planned for their orthodontic treatment. After extraction, the teeth will be examined in the laboratory to compare cavity surface and interface characteristics and microleakage between the two preparation methods.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Antibacterial Activity of Licorice, Clove, and Chlorohexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans in a Group of Egyptian Children.

A randomized controlled trial that compares the antibacterial effectiveness of three mouthwashes-licorice, clove, and chlorhexidine-in Egyptian children aged 7-12 years. The main focus is Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria associated with dental caries. The saliva samples will be collected from the children and the amount of S. mutans will be measured before and after using the assigned mouthwash. The children will be randomly divided into groups, with each group receiving one of the three mouthwashes. The bacterial counts will then be compared to determine which mouthwash is most effective at reducing salivary S. mutans. The research question is whether natural mouthwashes made from licorice or clove reduce the bacteria that cause cavities as effectively as chlorhexidine in children? The study could help determine whether licorice and clove are effective natural alternatives or adjuncts to chlorhexidine, particularly considering that chlorhexidine can have undesirable effects with prolonged use. Overall aim: Compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the three mouthwashes

The Effect of an Adhesive System on the Retention and Caries Prevention for Fissure Sealants in Permanent Molars

Background: Resin-based fissure sealants (FS) are recommended to prevent pit-and-fissure caries development or prevent the progression of enamel caries lesion to frank cavitation into dentine. There is still limited clinical evidence on the use of adhesive system beneath fissure sealants in permanent molars and its effect on FS retention and caries progression. Aim: The aim of this randomised clinical trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of fissure sealants placed with and without prior use of an adhesive system in terms of retention and caries prevention in permanent molars over the period of 2 years. Study design: Children (6-12 years of age) with high caries risk that require sealants in their first permanent molars (ICDAS 0-3) will be selected at the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH). Molars will be stratified according to presence of caries lesions (ICDAS 0 or ICDAS1-3) and randomly allocated according to the study groups (Test group: 17% phosphoric acid + adhesive system + FS; Control group: 17% phosphoric acid + FS). The randomisation unit will be the tooth and more than one tooth can be included per child. All children will be evaluated after 12 and 24 months by calibrated independent examiners. The primary outcome of the present trial is sealant retention over time. Clinical variables such as age, gender, tooth position (upper/lower), caries experience (DMFT/dmft), stage of eruption (erupted/partially erupted) and children's behavior (Frankl scale) will be collected.

Hall Technique vs Conventional Crown Restoration in Permanent Molars: Split-Mouth Trial in Children

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic success of stainless steel crowns placed using the Hall Technique versus the conventional method in the restoration of permanent first molars in children, and to evaluate their effects on occlusal relationships, crown adaptation, and patient satisfaction. Study Outcomes The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of stainless steel crowns placed on permanent first molars using the Hall Technique in comparison to the conventional crown placement method. The secondary outcomes included assessment of the marginal fit and adaptation of preformed crowns using both techniques, analysis of changes in occlusal relationships-specifically the vertical dimension of occlusion and overbite-and evaluation of patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale at multiple time points: immediately post-treatment, and at one, three, and six months.

Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Saliva and Oral Health

This study aims to evaluate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on salivary parameters and oral health in individuals who will use this medication for the first time due to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The research will be conducted with a longitudinal design including a total of 50 participants. Clinical examinations and saliva analyses will be performed at baseline (month 0), month 3, and month 6. The study will evaluate stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates, pH, and buffering capacity, as well as analyze antimicrobial peptide levels (sIgA and beta-defensin-3) and total protein. Participants' oral hygiene and caries activity will be measured using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI), DMFT, and ICDAS-II indices. Additionally, dietary habits and subjective dry mouth symptoms will be monitored through questionnaires. The obtained data will be statistically analyzed by controlling for potential confounding factors such as HbA1c, BMI, CRP, and HOMA index.

Building Adaptive School-based Interventions for Caries

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the world's most prevalent noncommunicable disease. Current preventive and therapeutic treatments are available that can be provided in a school-based health service environment. However, not all children respond to care, and school programs can result in under- or over-treatment, leaving children at high risk. The Building Adaptive School-based Interventions for Caries (BASICS) study will identify the optimal sequence and intensity of these treatments to minimize nonresponse, creating adaptive interventions tailored to specific needs in order to personalize school-based dental medicine.

Effect Of Three Remineralizing Agents On Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains a global public health concern, necessitating minimally invasive, fluoride-based alternatives to conventional restorative therapy. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Sodium Fluoride with Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (NaF + CPP-ACP), and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) gel are widely employed chemotherapeutic agents; however, comparative clinical evidence of their effectiveness in ECC management remains limited. This randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate and compare the efficacy of SDF gel, NaF + CPP-ACP, and APF gel in arresting and preventing ECC.

A Comprehensive Oral Health Intervention Program for Preschool and Primary School Children in Suzhou

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive oral health intervention program among preschool and primary school children in Suzhou, China. Preschools and primary schools in selected districts of Suzhou will be assigned to intervention or control groups. Children in the intervention group will receive a comprehensive oral health program involving oral health education, toothbrushing and rinsing instruction and practice, school- and family-based behavioral support, oral health promotion materials, and interactive educational activities. Children in the control group will receive basic oral health education and educational materials. Oral health examinations, anthropometric assessments, questionnaires, and other follow-up assessments will be conducted to evaluate changes in dental caries, oral hygiene, gingival health, oral health-related knowledge, and oral health behaviors. Participants will be followed for up to three years after the baseline assessment.

Clinical Performance of Injectable and Conventional Resin Composites in Posterior Class I Restorations

This study compared the one-year clinical performance of two tooth-colored filling materials used for restoring cavities in posterior teeth: a highly filled injectable resin composite and a conventional resin composite. The study included 38 participants aged 20 to 26 years who required at least two Class I restorations in permanent premolars or molars. Each participant received both restorative materials in different teeth using a randomized split-mouth design. A total of 120 restorations were placed, including 60 restorations with G-ænial Universal Injectable and 60 restorations with G-ænial Posterior. The restorations were evaluated one week, six months, and 12 months after placement using the FDI criteria, which assess esthetic, functional, and biological properties. In addition, 20 participants with 64 restorations were randomly selected for a detailed assessment of restoration surfaces and margins. Digital impressions were obtained, three-dimensional resin replicas were produced, and the replicas were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The study aimed to determine whether the two restorative materials differed in their clinical and micromorphological performance during the one-year follow-up period.

Glass Ionomer Restorations With SMART Versus Conventional Treatment in Elderly Cancer Patients

This study will evaluate the clinical performance of glass ionomer cervical restorations placed using the Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) compared with conventional restorative treatment in elderly cancer patients with cervical carious lesions. The trial is a 12-month randomized clinical trial with four parallel arms and a 1:1 allocation ratio. Two SMART arms will receive 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and potassium iodide followed by either high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), while the conventional arms will receive standard tooth preparation followed by HVGIC or RMGIC without SDF. The primary outcome is retention of the restoration, assessed using USPHS criteria. Secondary outcomes include postoperative hypersensitivity, marginal integrity, recurrent caries, average duration of treatment, anatomic form, color match, surface roughness, marginal discoloration, and patient satisfaction (VAS). Patients will be followed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The study aims to determine whether the minimally invasive SMART approach offers comparable clinical performance to conventional treatment while reducing chair time and discomfort in a medically vulnerable elderly cancer population.

Clinical Performance and Immediate Child and Parental Satis-faction With BioFlx Crowns in Primary Molars: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Non-Randomized Interventional Study

Informed consent was obtained from the parents/guardians of participating children after a detailed explanation about the treatment along with possible outcomes, risks, benefits, and discomforts is provided. In addition, assent forms were obtained from the participating children who are seven years and older. Healthy children or children with mild, stable systemic medical conditions, who were cooperative and required at least one full-coverage restoration in a primary molar were recruited from the pe-diatric dentistry clinics at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry. BioFlx crowns were placed by trained pediatric dentistry residents under a consultant's supervision. Immediately after crown cementation, proximal contact and occlusion were recorded. At three- and six-month fol-low-up visits, clinical outcomes evaluated were the proximal contacts, occlusion, crown retention, staining, wear of the opposing tooth, marginal integrity, and any changes in the crown material surface. In addition, plaque accumulation and gingival health around each crowned tooth were assessed at the tooth level. Immediate post-treatment satisfaction of children and their parents was assessed following crown cementation.

Zirconomer-P Versus RMGI for Proximal Restorations in Primary Molars

Clinical trial comparing two tooth-colored restorative materials for treating cavities between the teeth of primary molars in children aged 4 to 7 years. The study will compare zirconia-fortified glass ionomer (Zirconomer-P) with resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) to evaluate their clinical performance, including the condition of the restoration, marginal adaptation, proximal contact, occlusion, wear, fracture, retention, and development of caries at the restoration margin. Children will be followed for up to 18 months after treatment.

Comparative Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Different Pulpotomy Materials in Primary Molars

This randomized clinical trial compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of ferric sulfate (FS), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium-enriched mixture (CEM), and TheraCal PT used for pulpotomy in primary molars. A total of 140 restorable primary molars from children aged 4 to 9 years were randomly allocated to four treatment groups. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to compare treatment success and failure among the four pulpotomy materials.

WhatsApp Messages to Improve Mothers' Oral Health Knowledge and Children's Toothbrushing

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in young children in Saudi Arabia. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent it, but preschool children cannot do this properly on their own and depend on their mothers to brush for them and to supervise them. Mothers usually receive oral health advice only once, during a dental visit, and a single session may not be enough to change daily habits at home. This study will test whether short oral health messages sent to mothers on WhatsApp, in addition to the usual face-to-face advice, help mothers know more about toothbrushing and help their children brush better. Mothers of children aged 3 to 6 years attending the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah will be invited to take part. All mothers will first answer a short questionnaire about what they know about toothbrushing and how their child currently brushes. All mothers will then receive the same 10 to 15 minute face-to-face oral health education session. After the session, each mother will be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Mothers in the first group will also receive two WhatsApp messages a week for eight weeks, sixteen messages in total, covering how often to brush, how much fluoride toothpaste to use, correct brushing technique, and how to help and supervise their child. Mothers in the second group will not receive these messages. After eight weeks, all mothers will answer the same questionnaire again, and the answers of the two groups will be compared. Taking part involves no dental treatment or procedures beyond the child's normal care, and mothers may withdraw at any time.

Salivary Antimicrobial Peptides and Severe Early Childhood Caries in Turkish Children

This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between salivary antimicrobial peptides and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in Turkish children. Severe early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by microbial, environmental, and host-related factors. Salivary antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the innate immune defense of the oral cavity and may influence susceptibility to dental caries. In this cross-sectional study, salivary samples were collected from children diagnosed with S-ECC and from caries-free controls. Clinical dental examinations were performed to assess caries status. The levels of selected salivary antimicrobial peptides were measured and compared between groups to determine potential associations. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of salivary immune components in the development of severe early childhood caries.

Polishing vs Hydrogen Peroxide: Effect on DIAGNOdent Readings in Stained Fissures

This study compared two methods of cleaning stained pits and grooves (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of back teeth before measuring them with a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent), which is used to help detect early tooth decay. In the same patients, one side of the mouth was treated with mechanical polishing using a prophylaxis paste, while the other side was treated with a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. The study measured whether either cleaning method changed the device's readings, and if so, by how much. The results showed that the readings increased after both procedures, but the increase was larger after polishing than after hydrogen peroxide application. These findings may help clinicians better interpret DIAGNOdent readings after cleaning stained teeth.

Evaluation of Selective and Stepwise Excavation in Young Permanent Teeth With Deep Caries Lesions.

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the outcomes of selective carious tissue removal versus stepwise carious tissue removal in young permanent teeth with deep carious lesions. The primary follow-up will be conducted 1 year after treatment to assess success. A secondary follow-up will take place 3 years post-treatment, utilizing data from dental registries and dental records. The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted within a practice-based research network.

A Clinical Study of KH001 for Pulp Preservation and Safety in Deep Dentin Caries

The Purpose of this Study is to Evaluate Pulp Preservation and Safety of KH001 in the Administration of Deep Dentin Caries.

Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers for Periodontitis, Dental Caries and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The goal of this observational study is to develop better ways to detect and predict major oral diseases, including oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. This study will collect detailed oral health information and biological samples from adults with different oral health conditions and healthy participants to identify markers that may help doctors detect diseases earlier and predict how diseases may change over time. The main questions this study aims to answer are whether biological markers from saliva, mouth rinse samples, blood, or oral tissue samples can help identify people with oral diseases, whether these markers can predict future disease changes such as worsening gum disease, new or progressing tooth decay, or recurrence and spread of oral cancer, and whether combining clinical information with biological markers can improve disease detection and risk prediction. Participants will receive a standard oral health examination, provide information about their health history and oral health behaviors, provide biological samples when appropriate, and be followed over time through clinical visits, questionnaires, and health information collection. Researchers will compare findings among people with different oral health conditions and healthy participants to better understand disease-related changes and develop tools for earlier detection and prediction of oral disease outcomes.

Povidone Iodine for Caries Prevention

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Povidone Iodine works to prevent tooth decay and suppress the mouth germs responsible for tooth decay. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. How will home use of Povidone Iodine, as an adjunct treatment to standard dental care, reduce the incidence of tooth decay? 2. How will home use of Povidone Iodine reduce the mouth germs responsible for tooth decay? 3. If Povidone Iodine use is accompanied by probiotic use, will its effectiveness be even better than Povidone Iodine alone? Participants will: 1. Provide a plaque sample at the beginning of the study. 2. Swab their children's teeth once a week for one month and then monthly thereafter. Some participants may be asked to use probiotic drops nightly after brushing their teeth. 3. Keep a record of compliance. 4. Return every 6 months for a dental exam and to provide a plaque sample. Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they use a rescue inhaler

Comparing Two Brands of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Stopping Cavities in Children

this study aims to evaluate two different materials used to stop dental caries in children. both materials are available at the market. both materials leave black stain after application. we follow up the patients for 1 year to evaluate which one is more effective in stopping dental caries.