CompletedInterventional

Taste acceptance of fluoride varnish on autistic patients

This study aims to discover how autistic children, aged 3 to 15, respond to the taste of different fluoride varnishes. Fluoride varnish is painted on teeth to prevent cavities, which can be a particular problem for autistic children. Currently, the most common varnish used in the UK doesn't have an unflavoured option, and we don't know much about how different flavours are received by autistic patients. Researchers will compare three different varnishes: banana-flavoured Duraphat, strawberry-flavoured MI Varnish, and cherry-flavoured Profluorid. By understanding which flavours are most accepted, the study hopes to make dental care more comfortable for autistic children and help prevent tooth decay more effectively. The study is running from 2018 to 2023 in Port Talbot, UK.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2019

Estimated completion

16 Nov 2022

Preventive dental care in autistic children

What is this study about?

For children with autism, visiting the dentist and looking after their teeth can sometimes be a challenge. They might experience the world differently, and things like tastes and textures can be very important. We know that autistic children can be at a higher risk of getting cavities (tooth decay), so it's extra important to help them prevent these problems.

One common way to protect teeth from decay is to paint them with a special fluoride varnish. This varnish helps to strengthen teeth and stop cavities from forming. In the UK, the most widely used fluoride varnish is Duraphat. While other fluoride varnishes exist in different flavours, they aren't specifically approved for cavity prevention in the same way Duraphat is, even though they contain similar amounts of fluoride. Currently, there isn't an unflavoured option, and we don't really know which flavours autistic children might prefer or accept best.

This study wants to learn more about this. We're looking at how young autistic patients, aged between 3 and 15, respond to the taste of different flavoured fluoride varnishes. By understanding what flavours they accept, we hope to improve their dental experiences and make it easier for them to get this important cavity-preventing treatment.

Key takeaways

Aims to find out which fluoride varnish flavours autistic children accept best.
Participation involves a single dental visit for varnish application.
Helps understand how to make dental care better for autistic children.
Potential benefit: improved dental experience and cavity prevention.
Children aged 3-15 with autism may be eligible.
No known risks involved in participating.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for autistic children between 3 and 15 years old. To join, your child must also have had cavities before or be at risk of getting them, meaning they have been recommended to have fluoride varnish put on their teeth.

There are some reasons why your child might not be able to take part. For example, if they have certain health conditions like type 1 diabetes or specific mouth sores, or if they are currently taking antibiotics. Children with certain allergies, such as to colophony (found in some varnishes) or milk protein (in one of the varnishes), also can't join.

Additionally, if your child has had dental treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic in the past, or if they have severe uncontrolled asthma, they won't be able to participate. If, for any reason, you as a parent or guardian decide you no longer want your child to take part, you can withdraw them at any time.

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 aged between 3 and 15 years old?
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism?
Has your child had cavities before, or are they considered at risk of cavities by their dentist?
Does your child have any severe allergies to ingredients like colophony or milk protein?
Has your child had dental treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will be randomly placed into one of three groups. This means it's decided by chance which group they will be in. Each group will receive a different flavoured fluoride varnish painted on their teeth: one group will get banana-flavoured Duraphat, another will receive strawberry-flavoured MI Varnish, and the third group will have cherry-flavoured Profluorid varnish. While the varnish is applied, researchers will watch your child’s reactions and behaviours to see how they accept the taste. This is likely a one-off visit for the application of the varnish and observation during that time.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that it might improve your child's experience at the dentist, making future visits easier. Also, by having fluoride varnish applied, it could help prevent tooth decay. The researchers believe there are no risks involved in taking part. Remember, your child's participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw them from the study at any point without it affecting their regular dental care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Community Dental Clinics
City only
Port Talbot, Wales

Common questions

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a special coating painted on teeth to make them stronger and help prevent cavities (tooth decay).

Will my child have to visit the dentist many times?

No, it's expected to be a single visit where the varnish is applied and your child's reactions are observed.

Can my child choose which flavour they get?

No, because it's a study, children will be randomly assigned to one of the three flavour groups to make the comparison fair.

What if my child doesn't like the taste?

The study is actually designed to see how well different flavours are accepted. If your child is very distressed, they can stop at any time.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is being funded by the researchers themselves, not a large company or organisation.

How to find out more

Rohini Mohan

rohini.mohan@wales.nhs.uk +44 (0)7946402069 Official trial record

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