Investigating the effectiveness of povidone iodine in treating severe early childhood caries.

Povidone Iodine Efficacy Study (PIES)

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11083072

This study is looking at whether a special mouth treatment with 10% povidone iodine can help young children with severe early childhood caries by reducing bad bacteria in their mouths, and it will compare this method to regular dental care to see if it leads to healthier teeth in the long run, while also providing parents with helpful tips on keeping their kids' mouths healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083072 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), a challenging dental condition in young children that often recurs after treatment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical antimicrobial agent, 10% povidone iodine, in reducing harmful oral bacteria that contribute to dental decay. By comparing the outcomes of children treated with povidone iodine against standard care, the research seeks to determine if this approach can lead to better long-term dental health. Parents and caregivers will be involved in the process, receiving guidance on oral hygiene and feeding practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with severe early childhood caries.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have severe early childhood caries or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the recurrence of dental caries in young children, leading to improved oral health and less invasive treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with povidone iodine in preventing dental caries, but this specific approach is still being evaluated for its efficacy.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.