MoodBrush app versus parent-modeled toothbrushing for children ages 3-6
Official title: Plaque Reduction: Digital vs. Parental Toothbrushing Instruction in Pediatric Patients
Run by University of Southern California · NCT07441148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if the MoodBrush app helps children ages 3-6 remove as much plaque as brushing modeled by a parent.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 112 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07441148 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 3-6 years who are ASA I or II, speak English or Spanish, have cooperative behavior (Frankl 3 or 4), and are established patients at the participating clinics.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with extensive untreated caries, missing or unerupted teeth required for scoring, physical limitations preventing adequate brushing, or uncooperative behavior that prevents a full two-minute brushing session are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll children aged 3-6 at the USC Advanced Pediatric Dental Clinic and AltaMed (Sunflower) clinic and randomly assign them to parent-modeled brushing or to use the MoodBrush digital app. Plaque will be measured on 12 tooth surfaces using the Silness and Loe Plaque Index immediately before and after a supervised two-minute brushing session. The primary outcome is the change in plaque index scores, with intrarater reliability checks and statistical analyses including paired t-tests within groups and two-sample t-tests between groups. The aim is to determine whether the app produces similar or greater plaque reduction compared with traditional parent-modeled instruction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the free MoodBrush app could offer an engaging, scalable way to help young children brush more effectively and reduce plaque.
How similar studies have gone: Other pediatric studies of timer- and game-based brushing apps have improved brushing duration and engagement, but evidence that they consistently produce equal or better plaque reduction than parent-modeled brushing is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA I or II * children aged 3-6 years presenting for recall dental visit at AltaMed (Sunflower) clinic or USC Advanced Pediatric Dental Clinic * must speak English or Spanish, Frankl 3 or 4. Exclusion Criteria: * Physical limitations that would prevent adequate oral hygiene * Extensive caries preventing accurate readings on plaque index, * Teeth needed for plaque score have not fully erupted or missing * If behavior prevents them from cooperating for exam and toothbrushing * Inability to brush for full two minutes.
Where it's running
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.