CompletedInterventional

A school-based study, co-designed with teachers and families to help improve children's oral health behaviours

Tooth decay is a common problem for children, causing pain and missed school. This study, designed with teachers and families, aims to find better ways to help 7-8 year olds in Greater Manchester keep their teeth healthy. One group of schools will get extra support, including free toothbrushes, toothpaste, special school activities, and new lessons on proper tooth-brushing and healthy eating. Another group will continue with their usual tooth-care lessons. Researchers will check children's teeth at the start and after 3 months, and ask families about their habits. The goal is to see if the new approach is more effective than current methods in the fight against tooth decay.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

306

Start

17 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Oral health behaviours (plaque control, toothbrushing habits, and sugar intake)

What is this study about?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a really common health issue for children, especially in some parts of England like Greater Manchester. It can lead to painful teeth, problems with eating and sleeping, and even cause children to miss school. Sometimes, cavities can get so bad that a child needs to go to hospital to have teeth removed. This study aims to tackle this problem by exploring better ways to help children look after their teeth.

Researchers want to see if giving children and their families special extra help, beyond what schools normally teach about looking after teeth, can make a real difference. This extra help includes free toothbrushes and toothpaste for home, fun activities at school, and new teaching materials that explain how to brush properly and eat foods that are good for teeth. They also want to help families find easy ways to fit tooth-brushing into their daily routines. The study will compare this new approach to the standard tooth-care lessons schools currently provide.

By comparing these two approaches, the study hopes to find out which method is more effective in helping children develop good tooth-brushing habits and improve their overall oral health. The findings could lead to better ways to support children and families in keeping smiles healthy in the future.

Key takeaways

A study for 7-8 year-olds in Greater Manchester.
Aims to find better ways to prevent children's tooth decay.
Compares extra support (free toothbrushes, new lessons) with usual school teaching.
Includes simple dental checks and questionnaires over 3 months.
Minimal risks, potential benefits for learning about healthy teeth.
Funded by Colgate-Palmolive and run by The University of Manchester.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children in Year 3 of primary school, which means they are usually 7 or 8 years old. Both boys and girls can take part.

To be considered, your child's school must agree to join the study first. Once the school is on board, parents or guardians will need to give their permission for their child to participate. Children who have certain very rare allergies, for example to ingredients in toothpaste or a special tablet used to show plaque, will not be able to join for safety reasons.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child in Year 3 at primary school (aged 7-8)?
Does your child's school agree to take part?
Are you happy to give your permission for your child to join?
Does your child have any known allergies to toothpaste ingredients or food dyes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child's school agrees to join, they will be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will receive special new materials and support, including free toothbrushes, toothpaste, special school lessons, and tips for brushing. The other group will continue with the tooth-care lessons your school usually provides.

All children taking part will have a simple dental check-up at school at the very beginning of the study and again 3 months later. This check-up is very similar to what a dentist might do, and it involves using a harmless coloured tablet that briefly shows any plaque on the teeth, which then gets brushed away. Children and parents will also be asked to fill out short questionnaires about their tooth-brushing habits and the foods they eat. Some teachers, parents, and children might also be asked about their experiences with the study. The study is expected to run from September 2025 to August 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Children in both groups will learn useful information about how to care for their teeth. Those in the group receiving extra support will also get free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and special materials to help build healthy habits. This study will help us understand the best ways to support children's tooth health in the future. There are very few risks involved; the dental check-ups are harmless and similar to those at a dental clinic. The tablet used to show plaque might briefly stain teeth, but this disappears after brushing. Children with specific allergies to certain food dyes, which are rare, will not be included in the study. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason.

Locations (17)

Church of England school of resurrection
City only
Manchester, England
Longsight Community Primary School
Approximate
Manchester, England
St James C Of E Primary School
City only
Manchester, England
Birchfields Primary School
Approximate
Manchester, England
Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School Manchester
Approximate
Manchester, England
St Anthonys primary school
Unverified
Manchester, England
Ringway Primary School
Unverified
Manchester, England
St Anne's RC Primary School
Unverified
Manchester, England
Briscoe Lane Academy
Unverified
Manchester, England
Pike Fold Primary School
Unverified
Manchester, England
Bridge Hall Primary School
Unverified
Stockport, England
All Saints' Church of England Primary School
Unverified
Greater Manchester, England

Common questions

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, happens when sugar and bacteria create acids that damage the hard outer surface of your teeth, leading to holes if not treated.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by dental health experts at The University of Manchester, working with local dental teams and schools in Greater Manchester.

Will my child get free toothbrushes and toothpaste?

Only children in the 'extra support' group will receive free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and additional materials. Other children will continue with standard school health education.

What is a plaque disclosing tablet?

It's a harmless coloured tablet that you chew. It briefly stains any plaque (the sticky film of bacteria) on your teeth, so you can see where you need to brush better. The colour brushes away.

How long will the study last for my child?

Your child will take part in assessments at the start and after 3 months. The overall study will run from September 2025 to August 2026.

How to find out more

Nicola Boothman

nicola.boothman@manchester.ac.uk +44 (0)161 226 1211 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.