Using topical Povidone-Iodine to prevent white spots during orthodontic treatment

Efficacy and Safety of Topical 10% Povidone-Iodine in Preventing White Spots During Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 2 Interventional University of Washington · NCT06616207

This study is testing if a special mouthwash can help prevent white spots on the teeth of kids and teens getting braces.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06616207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a 10% Povidone-Iodine solution in preventing the development of white spot lesions on the maxillary anterior teeth in healthy children and teens undergoing orthodontic treatment. Participants aged 10-17 will be randomly assigned to receive either the Povidone-Iodine treatment or a placebo, with assessments conducted over a one-year period. The study will evaluate both the efficacy in preventing white spots and the safety of the topical application. Key outcomes include the incidence of new white spot lesions and changes in gingival health as measured by established indices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children and teens aged 10-17 who are beginning orthodontic treatment and have at least four permanent anterior teeth.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to iodine, chronic antibiotic use, thyroid disease, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the occurrence of white spot lesions in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, improving their oral health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Povidone-Iodine in dental applications is known, this specific approach to preventing white spots during orthodontic treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy children and teens (10-17 years old)
* Transitional or permanent dentition of at least 4 permanent anterior teeth in each arch
* Full fixed appliance orthodontic treatment is expected to last at least one year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergies to iodine
* Chronic prophylactic use of antibiotics
* Diagnosis of thyroid disease
* Conditions that could impair routine oral hygiene procedures.
* Pregnant at enrollment

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions White Spot LesionsGingival Inflammation and BleedingPovidone-IodineWhite spot lesionTopical application of 10% Povidone- Iodine in preventing white spotsTopical 10% Povidone-Iodine In Preventing White Spots During Orthodontic Treatment
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.