Clinical Research Directory

Reminder-based Educational Mobile Intervention for for Maternal Oral Health Literacy and Preschoolers' Dental Health

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of educational application based on notification and reminder in improving maternal oral health literacy and the dental and dental health status of preschool children among mother-preschool child pairs (children aged \<7 years) in Pancoran Mas, Depok City. The primary research questions to be addressed in the main trial are: * Does the application group improve mothers' oral health literacy (measured using the REALD-30 questionnaire) more than the printed booklet group? * Does the application group improve children's oral health status, as measured by oral hygiene (Debris Index-Simplified \[DI-S\]) and gingival condition (modified Gingival Index \[mGI\]), more than the printed booklet group? * What is the level of usability (ease of use) of the application as perceived by mothers who use it? The researchers will compare a group of mothers who receive education through the application with a group of mothers who receive education through a printed booklet to determine whether the application produces greater improvements in maternal oral health literacy and children's oral health outcomes. Participants will be asked to: * Complete the REALD-30 questionnaire at baseline (pretest) and at the end of the program (posttest), with a one-month interval between assessments. * Accompany their children for DI-S and mGI examinations at baseline (pretest) and at the end of the program (posttest), with a one-month interval between assessments, conducted by a calibrated dentist. * Receive and study dental health education materials delivered progressively, one chapter per week, through either the application (intervention group) or a printed booklet (control group). Subsequent chapters will be unlocked in the following week. * Complete a daily checklist documenting their child's tooth-brushing activities every morning and evening throughout the study period. * For participants in the application group only: receive daily notifications/reminders and personalized educational messages (based on quiz scores and checklist compliance levels), and complete the Mobile App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) at the end of the program.

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.

Comparison of Three Tongue Cleaners for Removing Tongue Coating

This randomised three-period crossover study compared the effectiveness of three tongue-cleaning devices - a bristled tongue brush, a plastic tongue scraper and a metal tongue scraper - in removing tongue biofilm. Thirty healthy volunteers aged 18 to 30 used each device once daily for 14 consecutive days, with 7-day washout periods between devices during which no tongue cleaning was performed. Tongue biofilm was measured objectively by Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence-Digital (QLF-D) imaging, alongside the visual Tongue Coating Index, salivary pH, and participant-reported acceptability including gag reflex.

Effectiveness of the Touch-to-Teach Method for Interdental Brushing in Patients With Stage II Grade B Periodontitis.

In 2018, a collaboration between American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) yielded a new classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions. The new classification categorized periodontitis into stages from I to IV based on the severity of the disease. Besides the stages, cases were also categorized into A, B and C grades based on the probable progression of the disease. Likewise, cases with interproximal clinical attachment loss of 3-4 mm in the worst affected teeth are considered to be stage II periodontitis.\[3\] These patients usually do not have tooth loss, can be suffering from localized or generalized type and mostly show horizontal bone loss. There are three types of gingival embrasures. In type I embrasure, the gingival embrasure is filled by the interproximal papilla; whereas in type II and III embrasures interdental papilla loss is seen. Interdental brushing has a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene and previously published reports have evidenced that successful interdental brushing eliminated interdental plaque below the gingival margin up to 2-2.5 mm. According to the old school of thought, dental floss was advised for type I embrasures, interdental brushes for type II embrasures and unitufted brushes for type III embrasures. Usage of dental floss has been identified to be cumbersome and especially challenging in posterior regions of the oral cavity. Additionally, a recent systematic review in the Cochrane database highlighted the effectiveness of interproximal brushes over dental floss.\[9\] Recently, the implementation of calibrated interdental brushes use with the availability of interdental brushes with varying sizes, added effectively in creating a healthy interdental papilla in a safe manner. Essentially, a patient-centered and personalized approach named "individually trained oral prophylaxis (iTOP)" has recently been suggested as a solution to remove dental plaque effectively.\[10\] This concept known as the "Touch-to-Teach" concept provides the patients with an effective method to educate the patients an effective and non-traumatic way of removing interdental plaque.\[10\] Although, the effectiveness of calibrated interdental brushes showed high efficacy in cases of gingivitis, currently, the effectiveness of these brushes in stage II periodontitis has not been comprehensively studied yet in literature.

Effectiveness of Audio-Tactile Performance Technique With Sing-Along Lyrics on Oral Hygiene Instruction to Visually Impaired Individuals

The goal of this match-pair randomized study is to compare the effectiveness of the standard Audio-Tactile Performance (ATP) technique with a song-based adaptation (ATP/S) in teaching oral hygiene in visually impaired individuals aged 6 to 20 years in Kathmandu, Nepal. 1. Can the ATP/S approach achieve a greater improvement in plaque control, as measured by the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) index, compared to standard ATP instruction over a two-week period? 2. Does the rhythmic structure of a song lead to a more continuous improvement in toothbrushing task performance and theoretical oral health knowledge? Researchers will compare a control group receiving standard ATP with an audio information file to an intervention group receiving ATP with a sing-along song to see if rhythmic auditory stimuli help regulate sequencing and reduce working-memory demands during complex motor tasks.

Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status in Children With Specific Learning Disabilities

This study aims to evaluate dental caries and oral hygiene status in children aged 7-12 years with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and to compare the findings with healthy children. Clinical oral examinations, including dmft/DMFT, ICDAS II, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index assessments, will be performed. In addition, questionnaire-based evaluations of oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and parental supervision during toothbrushing will be conducted.

Plaque Removal Efficiency in Children With Specific Learning Disabilities

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of toothbrushing education on plaque removal in children aged 7-12 years with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and to compare their plaque removal performance with healthy children. Participants will receive standardized toothbrushing education supported by visual and auditory materials. Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and photograph-based quantitative plaque analyses will be evaluated at baseline and after a 2-week follow-up period.

Motivational Interviewing and Subgingival Instrumentation Outcomes in Periodontitis

Motivational Interviewing (MI) represents a patient centered counselling approach designed to facilitate behaviour change by guiding patients through the exploration and resolution of ambivalence toward positive health actions. Adapting OARS microskills (open ended questions fostering dialogue, affirmations building self-efficacy, reflective listening mirroring emotions, summarization making commitments) intertwined with the RULE framework (resisting the righting reflex, understanding personal motivations, empathic listening, empowering autonomy) helps cultivate patient's intrinsic motivation for sustained oral hygiene adherence. It effectively resolves ambivalence toward plaque control behaviours essential for periodontitis management. Grounded in MI's core spirit of equal partnership, evocation of inner values, acceptance and compassionate support, this approach fosters long term adherence to treatment. This is in contrast to oral hygiene instructions that typically employ a directive advice giving method, where clinicians provide patients with prescriptive guidance on maintaining optimal oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis staging, as defined by the 2017 World Workshop classification, delineates disease severity (Stages I-III), complexity of management, and extent of involvement, while grading (A-C) offers a prognostic indicator of the risk for future progression based on factors such as rate of advancement and responsiveness to therapy. Integrating motivational interviewing (MI) with periodontitis staging and grading creates a structured framework from diagnosis to patient centered action, enhancing adherence to stage specific treatment plans. This study seeks to investigate the influence of MI on Clinical outcomes, Patient motivation, Patient related outcomes and Patient's Self-efficacy in oral hygiene following subgingival instrumentation among patients stratified by periodontitis stage. By doing so, it aims to explore the potential of behavior change interventions to yield not only clinical improvements but also broader health benefits in the management of periodontitis.

0.2% Chlorhexidine vs MicroRepair ABX in Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common form of reversible gum disease, caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. It leads to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and discomfort, but it can be managed and reversed with professional dental cleaning and proper oral hygiene. Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash is considered the "gold standard" in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation. However, its long-term use may cause side effects such as tooth staining, changes in taste, and irritation of the oral tissues. MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash, which contains biomimetic zinc-hydroxyapatite microcrystals with antibacterial components, has shown promising properties in reducing plaque and supporting gum health, with potentially fewer side effects. This randomized controlled clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash and MicroRepair® ABX mouthwash, both used after professional dental cleaning, in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments for 14 days. The primary outcome will be the change in gum pocket depth, measured as Probing Pocket Depth (PPD). Secondary outcomes include changes in plaque accumulation, measured as Full-Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS); gum bleeding, measured as Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS); attachment of the gums to the teeth, measured as Clinical Attachment Level (CAL); gum recession, measured as Recession (REC); tooth staining, measured with the Lobene Stain Index; tooth sensitivity, measured with the Schiff Air Index; taste alterations assessed through a validated questionnaire; and salivary levels of activated Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), a biomarker of gum inflammation. The goal of this study is to determine whether MicroRepair® ABX is as effective as chlorhexidine 0.2% in treating plaque-induced gingivitis, while offering better tolerability and fewer side effects.

Interdental Hygiene Methods in Young Adults

Oral health is essential for overall well-being and systemic health. A key factor in preserving this health is maintaining the balance of the interdental microbiota, which involves regulating the quantity of pathogenic bacteria in interdental spaces (IS). These IS represent a unique ecological niche where the body has limited specific defense mechanisms, making them vulnerable to infections. In adults, the colonization of interdental spaces by pathogenic bacteria increases the risk of periodontal diseases, which are themselves associated with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Preventing interdental microbiota dysbiosis from a young age is therefore a priority to maintain quality oral health and contribute to good systemic health throughout life. However, conventional brushing techniques cover only accessible tooth surfaces and cannot reach the interdental spaces. Currently, the use of interdental brushes (IDBs) is recognized as the most effective method for interdental hygiene. There are various types of IDBs, differing in several aspects that influence their effectiveness and usability. The main differences relate to their shape, size, and calibration using an interdental probe or not, allowing adaptation to different interdental space sizes. To date, only one study has demonstrated the effectiveness of daily calibrated interdental brush use in reducing dysbiosis and interdental inflammation among young adults. However, no research has yet been conducted to compare the effectiveness of the various types of IDBs available on the market (calibrated versus non-calibrated).

Effects of Oral Nursing Education on Oral Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Home Non-Invasive Ventilator

This study evaluated the impact of oral care guidance on oral health and quality of life in patients using non-invasive ventilation at home. Using a randomized controlled trial, results showed significant improvements in oral hygiene, overall health, sleep quality, and daily living after the intervention. Additionally, better oral care was positively associated with enhanced sleep quality and overall well-being. The findings suggest that targeted oral health education can effectively improve the health and quality of life for home non-invasive ventilation users, supporting its integration into clinical practice.

Oral Hygiene and Dietary Habits in Physical Therapy and Pharmacy Students at Sinai University

Oral health is a multidimension domain including the human ability to talk, smile, eat, drink and swallow. Oral health has a direct relationship with the individual's quality of life and it is influenced by the perception, experiences and knowledge.

Efficacy and Safety of the "Neo Pill" Device for Keeping Oral Hygiene in Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance

Background: Orthodontic appliances interfere with oral hygiene and contribute to plaque retention, gingival inflammation and demineralization of enamel. Current techniques for keeping oral hygiene (teeth brushing, rinsing oral cavity with 0.12% chlorhexidine, dental floss, interdental brush, Miswak) are not sufficiently effective (1). Up to 78% of patients do not follow instructions to keep oral hygiene with current methods which require discipline and effort (2). There is great need for some simple medical device to keep oral hygiene in an effective, safe and easy-to-use way. Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of NeoPill electrolysis device for keeping oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Hypotheses: (1) NeoPill electrolysis device in addition to standard oral hygiene techniques improves values of oral health indices (gingival bleeding index, papillary bleeding index, plaque index, and ortho-plaque index) and is associated with fewer white spots on enamel during and after 6 months of use in comparison to standard oral hygiene techniques only; (2) the adverse event rates in patients using the NeoPill electrolysis device and in patients keeping oral hygiene only with standard techniques is not significantly different; (3) quality of life in patients using the NeoPill electrolysis device is higher than in patients keeping oral hygiene only with standard techniques. Methods: The study is designed as prospective cohort investigation. Primary outcomes of the study are: the Turesky Modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index (TQHPI) for both anterior and posterior teeth Gingival Inflammation Score (GIS) for both anterior and posterior teeth, Papillary bleeding index (PBI), Ortho-Plaque Index (OPI), number of white spots on enamel, and safety (incidence of adverse events). Secondary outcomes are quality of life and overall costs of keeping oral hygiene. Main independent variable in the study is administration of the NeoPill electrolysis device produced by start-up innovative company Laviefarm, Belgrade, Serbia. The device causes detachment of bacteria from fixed orthodontic appliances and teeth, which are then washed out with mouth rinse, and swallowed or spitted out. Implications and significance: If proved effecive and safe, the NeoPill electrolysis device will make major contribution to improvement of oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Mobile Oral Health Intervention Effectiveness on Orthodontic Patients' Oral Hygiene and Oral Health Literacy

Orthodontic patients face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene due to the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances, which tend to increase plaque retention, leading to gingival inflammation. Oral Health Literacy (OHL) plays a role in an individual's ability to understand and implement oral hygiene instructions effectively. Mobile oral health interventions involve the use of mobile technology such as smartphones to improve oral hygiene practices and outcomes. Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of a mobile oral health intervention using WhatsApp messages as compared to standard oral hygiene instructions on oral hygiene status and OHL level among orthodontic patients.

Effect of Health Diary on Self-management in Adolescent Patients With Fixed Orthodontic Appliance

This study aims to use two-arm randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the health diary in helping adolescents wearing fixed orthodontic appliances improve their oral hygiene status, self-management skills, oral health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, intention，number of breakages, and on-time and return visit status.

Association of Acne Vulgaris With Oral Hygiene and Gingivitis

The goal of this observational study is to learn about in the relationship between acne vulgaris and oral hygiene and gingivitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is there a relationship between the severity of acne vulgaris lesions and the severity of plaque-related gingivitis? * Could oral hygiene or the severity of plaque-related gingivitis have an impact on the treatment of acne lesions? Participants will; * First be examined at the dermatology clinic. * Then be examined at the periodontology clinic. * Participants with severe acne vulgaris lesions will be examined a second time at the dermatology clinic. (1.5 months after the first examination) * Regularly use the antibiotic containing 100 mg doxycycline prescribed in the dermatology clinic for acne treatment. (Patients deemed suitable by the dermatologist)