NCT07160517

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

Effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electric Toothbrush and Visual Pedagogy Materials on Oral Hygiene of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 13 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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

: 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

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Child
• Oral Health
• Artificial Intelligence

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-08-15
• Completion: 2027-02-10
• First posted: 2025-09-08
• Last updated: 2025-09-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Brazil