Povidone-iodine to prevent repeat severe tooth decay in young children
Povidone Iodine Efficacy Study (PIES)
This project looks at whether applying povidone-iodine to young children's teeth after dental treatment can reduce repeat severe cavities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11352580 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child has had severe early childhood cavities treated under anesthesia, researchers will offer an added treatment after surgery aimed at lowering the mouth bacteria that drive new cavities. Children will receive a topical 10% povidone-iodine application in the dental clinic and will be followed with regular dental exams to see if new caries develop. Mouth swabs may be collected to measure cavity-causing bacteria and compare bacterial changes between children who receive the iodine and those who do not. Standard care such as fluoride varnish and family counseling will also be provided so the study can measure any extra benefit from the iodine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers (roughly ages 1–5), who recently received treatment for severe early childhood caries.
Not a fit: Children without severe early childhood caries, older patients, or those not undergoing post-operative dental follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the chance of new severe cavities and reduce the need for repeat dental surgery and anesthesia in young children.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies and reviews have suggested 10% povidone-iodine is promising for preventing caries, but there are few high-quality randomized trials to prove it yet.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kopycka-Kedzierawski, Dorota T. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kopycka-Kedzierawski, Dorota T.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.