Changing habits to prevent child caries
Tooth decay is a common childhood health problem across the UK, sometimes leading to painful hospital visits to have teeth removed. The CHOICE clinical trial is testing a new way to help families prevent decay before it gets worse. Researchers want to see if a 30-minute supportive chat with a specially trained dental nurse makes a difference. In this session, parents can talk about family routines, learn about hidden sugars, and choose two simple, practical goals to improve brushing and snacking habits at home. The study involves around 500 children aged 3 to 7 who already have some signs of tooth decay. Half will receive this extra nurse chat alongside their regular NHS dental care, while the other half will receive standard dental care as usual. The team will follow up over two years to see if the support protects young teeth.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons young children are admitted to hospital in the UK. Having teeth taken out can be upsetting for both children and parents, and without changes to everyday habits, new teeth can quickly become decayed as well. Busy family lives, confusing food labels, and hidden sugars in everyday snacks and drinks can make protecting little teeth very challenging.
The CHOICE study aims to give parents practical, non-judgemental support right in their local dental clinic. Researchers want to find out whether a one-to-one conversation with a dental nurse helps parents build positive daily routines. Having healthy teeth is not just about avoiding fillings; it helps children eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence as they grow.
By comparing families who receive this tailored nurse advice with families who receive usual NHS dental care, researchers hope to see whether this simple, community-based approach works well and offers good value for the NHS. If successful, this type of supportive care could become a normal part of children's dental visits across the country.
Key takeaways
- The CHOICE study tests whether a 30-minute chat with a dental nurse helps prevent child tooth decay.
- It is designed for children aged 3 to 7 who already have some signs of decay and receive NHS dental care.
- Families are randomly chosen to receive either the extra nurse chat or their usual dental care.
- Participation lasts two years and mainly involves routine check-ups and two short postal or clinic questionnaires.
- Taking part is voluntary, safe, and includes a free oral health pack for your child.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to young children aged 3 to 7 years old (under 8 at the start of the study) who receive NHS dental care. To take part, the child must have had some tooth decay. This means having at least one decayed tooth, a filling, or a tooth taken out due to decay.
Parents or primary carers must be able to understand the study information and take part in the nurse conversation. The child should also have at least one daily habit that might put their teeth at risk, such as frequent sugary snacks or irregular tooth brushing.
A child cannot join if someone else living in their household is already taking part in the CHOICE study. A study dentist will do a quick check to confirm whether your child is eligible.
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.
- My child is aged between 3 and 7 years old.
- My child receives NHS dental care.
- My child has had at least one cavity, filling, or tooth removed because of decay.
- My child has an everyday habit that might affect their teeth (such as regular sugary snacks or drinks).
- No one else in our household is currently taking part in the CHOICE study.
What does participation involve?
If you and your child take part, you will be in the study for about two years. Around 500 families will join during a routine dental visit. You will be placed by chance (like flipping a coin) into one of two groups. One group continues with standard NHS dental care. The other group receives standard care plus a 30-minute friendly session with a trained dental nurse.
During this single nurse session, you will fill out a short questionnaire, discuss your family routines, and set two personal goals—usually around cutting down sugar or making tooth brushing easier. Your child will then have their normal dental check-up. There are no new medicines or invasive tests involved.
Over the next two years, you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire at the end of year 1 and year 2, which you can complete at the clinic or by post. At the end of the second year, your child will have a simple dental check-up either at the dental practice or at their school to see how their teeth are doing.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (37)
- Loughry Dental PracticeCity onlyCookstown, Northern Ireland
- Lisburn Family Dental CareCity onlyLisburn, Northern Ireland
- DJ Maguire & AssociatesCity onlyPortadown, Northern Ireland
- Rayner Dental PracticeCity onlyBradford, England
- Eclipse Dental CareCity onlyBatley, England
- Joseph Family Dental CareUnverifiedRotherham, England
- Glenside Dental PracticeUnverifiedBirkenhead, England
- Swanside Dental PracticeUnverifiedLiverpool, England
- Broadway Dental PracticeUnverifiedLiverpool, England
- Oracle Dental GroupUnverifiedColchester, England
- Stoke ParkUnverifiedIpswich, England
- Harbour Road DentalUnverifiedKilkeel, Northern Ireland
Common questions
Will my child have to take any medicine or have dental surgery?
No. The study does not test any medications or operations. It only looks at the benefits of a supportive conversation about tooth brushing and food habits.
Can I choose which group my child goes into?
No. A computer puts families into one of the two groups at random. This makes sure the study results are fair and reliable.
How much extra time will this take?
The nurse session takes about 30 minutes on a single visit. After that, you only need to complete two short follow-up questionnaires over the two years, along with a final check-up.
What happens if we move or change dentists?
You can let the study team know your new contact details so you can still complete the simple yearly questionnaires by post.
Does taking part cost anything?
No. Taking part is completely free, and all participating families receive a complimentary oral health pack for their child.
How to find out more
Michelle McKinley
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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