Livionex on Reducing Plaque Accumulation and Improving Oral Health in Children

Dental plaque is the primary etiological factor in the initiation of caries, gingival inflammation and subsequent destruction of periodontal tissues. Effective oral hygiene eliminates microbial plaque leading to resolution of gingival inflammation. Livionex Dental Gel is a toothpaste that is effective in reducing plaque in adults while not containing the additives found in other toothpastes that can cause increased gingival irritation. The investigators hypothesize that brushing with Livionex toothpaste creates an oral environment that prevents dental plaque accumulation and promotes oral health in children. This study will prospectively enroll 78 children aged 9 months to 12 years from UCSF pediatric dental clinics. Upon obtaining an informed consent, children will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the use of test (Livionex Dental Gel) and control toothpaste (a standard children's toothpaste containing 1500 ppm fluoride ). All patients will be provided a soft brush at enrollment, and the child and/or the parent will be taught to brush/clean after the first exam, with the assigned dentifrice, at the study center before they go home. Additionally, each subject will receive a new brush at every 3-month visit. Subjects will undergo a dental exam by a trained dentist including caries assessment (at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 months), dental plaque photograph, (at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 9 or 12 months), and swab samples for dental plaque and saliva will be collected at all study visits. A questionnaire will be given to address dentifrice and brushing experience in a phone call one month after enrollment and at the last study visit. Data on compliance and side effects of toothpastes will be collected at each of the calls.