Powered vs Manual Toothbrushes for Kids: Does it affect Cavity Risk?
Official title: Powered vs Manual Toothbrush Use: Its Effect on Caries Risk in Pre-Adolescents, A Pilot Study
Run by University of Michigan · NCT07859553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using a powered toothbrush twice daily for a year lowers cavity risk in kids aged 8–12 compared with a standard manual brush, using fluoride toothpaste as the control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07859553 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children 8–12 years old with existing caries experience or radiographic signs of untreated lesions, and who can brush independently with parental consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Children without current or past caries experience or those unable to adhere to brushing and examination requirements may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional study enrolls children aged 8 to 12 who have existing signs of dental caries or past caries experience. Participants are randomized to use either a powered toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, with a standardized fluoride toothpaste as the control condition over a 12-month period. Outcomes will focus on dental caries experience and progression, using baseline assessments and follow-up examinations to track changes. The trial is conducted at the University of Michigan with collaboration from Procter & Gamble, and is designed to be feasible in a real-world pediatric dental setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children may experience reduced caries progression and better oral health with powered brushing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in broader age groups have shown mixed results; this pediatric-focused pilot explores applicability to pre-adolescents.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child: * Male OR Female, between 8 - 12 years old at baseline * In good health (i.e., free of any medical condition that would reasonably be anticipated to interfere with study participation) * Must allow examination of the oral cavity at baseline * Must have at least an ICDAS 2 or higher at baseline or radiographic signs of untreated caries lesions E2 or higher, or caries experience in the last 3 years (extraction due to caries, restoration due to caries, etc.) * Able to tolerate radiographs * Able to brush teeth by themselves with no assistance Parent/Legal Guardian: * Provide written informed consent for the child and her/himself prior to participation * Must be at least 18 years old, or an emancipated minor who provides documentation of emancipation * Must be willing and able to participate in study activities Exclusion Criteria: * Child: * Hereditary generalized developmental dental defects such as Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta * Presence of pain, pulpal exposure, or signs of pulpal infection (abscess, fistula, swelling) at baseline * Participating in the foster care system * Demonstrated inability to comply with study protocol requirements (including radiographs or abstaining from using other oral hygiene products such as mouth rinses during the study period) * Has removable OR fixed orthodontic appliances * Participation (within 30 days of Baseline Visit) in any other oral hygiene clinical study Parent/Legal Guardian: • Demonstrated inability to comply with trial protocol requirements
Where it's running
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Taylor Cezon, RDH
- Email: kidscavities@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-730-8533
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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.