Brushing reminder for good oral health
Tooth decay affects nearly half of young teenagers in disadvantaged areas across the UK. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can prevent decay, but it is easy to forget. The BRIGHT trial explores whether school lessons paired with regular text reminders can build better brushing habits. Secondary schools in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Scotland, and South Wales are taking part. In each school, one year group gets a dental health lesson followed by text reminders on their mobile phones, while another year group does not. Over around two and a half years, dentists visit the schools to check the students' teeth, and families fill out short surveys. The researchers hope to find out if text reminders lead to fewer cavities and whether this is a good value for the NHS. Taking part is safe and voluntary, and students receive shopping vouchers to thank them.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems among teenagers in the UK, especially in areas with fewer local resources. Decay can cause painful toothaches, missed school days, and difficult trips to the dentist. Fortunately, most tooth decay can be prevented simply by brushing well twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. However, building a steady daily habit can be tough for young people.
Earlier research showed that sending weekly text messages to young adults helped them remember to brush. The BRIGHT project wants to see if the same idea works for younger teenagers. Researchers designed a short classroom lesson about caring for teeth, followed by regular text reminders sent straight to the pupils' mobile phones.
To find out if this really works, researchers compare students who get the texts with those who do not. Dentists visit the schools to check the students' teeth over time, and both pupils and parents complete brief questionnaires about their brushing habits. By comparing the two groups, the study team can learn if the reminders protect teeth and save money in long-term dental care.
Key takeaways
- The BRIGHT trial tests if classroom lessons and text reminders help 11- to 13-year-olds brush their teeth better.
- It takes place in selected schools across Yorkshire, Wales, and Scotland over two and a half years.
- Dentists carry out gentle, routine checks at school; no drilling or treatment is involved.
- Students need a working mobile phone to receive the reminder texts.
- Participation is free, completely voluntary, and students receive small shopping vouchers as a thank-you.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to pupils aged 11 to 13 years old who attend a participating secondary school. In England and Wales, this covers students in Year 7 and Year 8. In Scotland, it covers students in their 1st and 2nd years of secondary school (S1 and S2).
The schools taking part are located in specific regions: South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Wales, and parts of Scotland.
Because the study relies on text reminders, students must have a working mobile phone that can receive text messages. Pupils who do not have a working mobile phone cannot take part in the text reminder part of the study.
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 11 and 13 years old.
- My child is in Year 7 or 8 (England/Wales) or 1st/2nd Year (Scotland).
- My child attends one of the secondary schools taking part in the study.
- My child has access to a working mobile phone that can receive texts.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in the study lasts about two and a half years and fits around the normal school day. There are no hospital visits and no medications to take. If your child's year group is chosen for the project, they will attend a single classroom lesson about dental health and receive regular reminder texts on their mobile phone.
During the study, qualified dentists visit the school to carry out quick, gentle checks on the pupils' teeth. These checks are simple examinations to count teeth and look for decay; the dentists will not do any fillings, extractions, or painful procedures. Students and their parents or carers will also be asked to fill in short surveys about brushing habits and overall well-being. All pupils receive a £10 shopping voucher after the first check and a £5 voucher after the final check to thank them for their time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Tayside Medical Science Centre & University of DundeeCity onlyDundee, Scotland
- University of SheffieldApproximateSheffield, England
- University of LeedsApproximateLeeds, England
- Cardiff University & Cardiff & Vale UHBCity onlyCardiff, Wales
Common questions
Will the school dentist carry out any dental treatment?
No. The dentists only look at the teeth and take notes for the study. If they spot a problem that needs attention, they will let you know so you can visit your family dentist.
Does receiving the text messages cost any money?
No. The text messages are free to receive and will not use up mobile phone credit.
Does my child have to take part?
No. Joining the study is completely optional. You and your child can decide together, and you can change your mind at any point.
Why is the study only in certain schools?
The study focuses on areas where young people are statistically at higher risk of tooth decay, helping researchers test the reminders where support is needed most.
What happens if my child loses or changes their phone?
You can simply update your child's phone number with the school or the study team so the reminders can continue.
How to find out more
Katie Whiteside
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.