App push-notification reminders to improve oral hygiene for teens with braces
Mobile Application Push Notification in Improving Oral Hygiene Behaviour in Adolescent Orthodontic Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial tests whether daily push-notification reminders from a smartphone app help adolescents with braces keep their teeth and gums cleaner.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | International Islamic University Malaysia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuantan, Pahang) |
| Trial ID | NCT07288853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, three-arm randomized trial at the International Islamic University Malaysia compares an app with daily push notifications, the same app without notifications, and standard oral hygiene instructions alone. Participants are adolescents aged 12–18 receiving upper and lower fixed orthodontic appliances and who have access to a smartphone. Primary outcomes include changes in orthodontic plaque index and gingival index, and secondary outcomes include a knowledge‑attitude‑practice (KAP) questionnaire about oral hygiene. The trial uses parallel-group randomization, informed consent, and clinic visits for standardized clinical assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 12–18-year-olds starting or undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment who have good baseline oral hygiene, can understand Bahasa Malaysia or English, and have access to a personal or parent smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically compromised, on antibiotics, undergoing periodontal therapy, have cognitive limitations preventing app use, or are already using another dental reminder app may not benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, regular app reminders could reduce plaque and gingivitis around brackets and help prevent early white spot lesions in teens with braces.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of text- and app-based reminders for oral hygiene have shown modest but positive improvements in plaque control and adherence, so the approach has some supporting evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 12-18 years * Suitable for upper and lower arch fixed appliance treatment * Good oral hygiene * Able to understand Bahasa Malaysia and/or English * Possess a personal or parental smartphone with app access Exclusion Criteria: * Medically compromised or syndromic patients * Need to skip bracket bonding * On antibiotics * Undergoing periodontal therapy * Already using another dental reminder or behavior-change app * Patients with cognitive or developmental limitations preventing app use
Where this trial is running
Kuantan, Pahang
- Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia — Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kumeran Mohan (Dr), Master of Orthodontics
- Email: kumeran@iium.edu.my
- Phone: +60164478057
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.