AI Toothbrush and Visual Pedagogy to Improve Oral Hygiene in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT ID: NCT07160517

Last Updated: 2025-09-08

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

50 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-10-01

Study Completion Date

2027-02-10

Brief Summary

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This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of an AI-enabled electric toothbrush and visual pedagogy materials in improving oral hygiene among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study compares plaque control, gingival health, and adherence between children using a manual toothbrush with visual pedagogy support and those using an AI-enabled electric toothbrush with app-based monitoring.

Detailed Description

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: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face behavioral, motor, and sensory challenges that compromise their ability to perform effective toothbrushing. Caregivers are typically responsible for daily oral hygiene, yet few accessible digital or AI-based tools exist to support this process.

This study addresses this gap by combining two innovative approaches: visual pedagogy resources (picture exchange communication cards and tactile sensory panels) and an AI-enabled electric toothbrush with app-based monitoring. A randomized, parallel clinical trial will be conducted at the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FORP-USP), including 60 children aged 6-12 years with ASD. Participants will be randomized into two groups:

* Group 1: Manual toothbrushing with caregiver support and visual pedagogy materials.
* Group 2: AI-enabled electric toothbrush (Oral-B Genius X) with app-based feedback monitoring brushing time, pressure, and sequence.

Conditions

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Child Oral Health Artificial Intelligence

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

participants are randomized into two parallel arms: manual toothbrushing with visual pedagogy vs. AI-enabled electric toothbrush.
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

NONE

No masking will be applied. Both participants and investigators will be aware of group allocation.

Study Groups

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Manual Toothbrushing + Visual Pedagogy

Participants will use a manual toothbrush with caregiver support. Visual pedagogy materials will be provided, including printed picture exchange communication system (PECS) cards illustrating each step of toothbrushing and tactile sensory panels simulating toothbrush bristles, toothpaste texture, and dental floss. Caregivers will be instructed to use these materials daily to improve comprehension and adherence to toothbrushing routines.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Visual Pedagogy and Manual Toothbrushing

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this arm will use a manual toothbrush with caregiver support. Visual pedagogy resources will include printed PECS cards illustrating each step of toothbrushing and tactile sensory panels simulating toothbrush bristles, toothpaste texture, and dental floss. Caregivers will be instructed to use these materials daily at home for 3 weeks to improve comprehension, adherence, and cooperation in children with ASD.

AI-enabled Electric Toothbrush

Participants will use an Oral-B Genius X electric toothbrush equipped with artificial intelligence and Bluetooth connectivity. The device monitors brushing time, sequence, and pressure, providing real-time feedback through a smartphone application. Caregivers will be trained to supervise and encourage daily use at home for 3 weeks. The intervention aims to improve plaque removal and promote autonomy and motivation during oral hygiene in children with ASD.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Visual Pedagogy and Manual Toothbrushing

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this arm will use a manual toothbrush with caregiver support. Visual pedagogy resources will include printed PECS cards illustrating each step of toothbrushing and tactile sensory panels simulating toothbrush bristles, toothpaste texture, and dental floss. Caregivers will be instructed to use these materials daily at home for 3 weeks to improve comprehension, adherence, and cooperation in children with ASD.

Interventions

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Visual Pedagogy and Manual Toothbrushing

Participants in this arm will use a manual toothbrush with caregiver support. Visual pedagogy resources will include printed PECS cards illustrating each step of toothbrushing and tactile sensory panels simulating toothbrush bristles, toothpaste texture, and dental floss. Caregivers will be instructed to use these materials daily at home for 3 weeks to improve comprehension, adherence, and cooperation in children with ASD.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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Visual support materials, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), tactile sensory panels

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

Child must be accompanied by a primary caregiver (≥18 years old) responsible for daily oral hygiene.

Caregiver must have access to a smartphone or computer to interact with the digital platform.

Written informed consent (TCLE) from the caregiver and assent (TALE) from the child.

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Exclusion Criteria

Children with advanced periodontal disease or other oral conditions requiring urgent dental treatment.

Caregivers who are unable or unwilling to use basic digital platforms (smartphone, tablet, or computer).

Families who decline participation at any stage of the study.

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Minimum Eligible Age

5 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

13 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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University of Sao Paulo

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Marília Goulardins

PhD Candidate in Pediatric Dentistry

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Paulo Nelson Filho, DDS, PhD

Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR

Full Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto - USP

Locations

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School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo (FORP-USP)

Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Site Status

Countries

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Brazil

Central Contacts

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Andiara De Rossi, DDS, PhD

Role: CONTACT

Marilia Goulardins Gomes, DDS, MSc

Role: CONTACT

Other Identifiers

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CAAE80167324500005419

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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