Powered toothbrushing after a stroke
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN12845204 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12845204 |
| Sponsor | Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability |
| Funder | Oral-B |
- Submission date
- 06/01/2026
- Registration date
- 13/01/2026
- Last edited
- 12/01/2026
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Circulatory System
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
After a stroke, many people find it difficult to clean their mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, pain, infections, and other health problems. This study aims to see whether using a powered toothbrush, along with personalised oral care advice, can help people improve their oral hygiene.
Who can participate?
Residents of the rehabilitation unit at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability who have had a stroke.
What does the study involve?
Participants will learn how to use a powered toothbrush and take part in short interviews and observations about their mouth care routine. Staff and carers will receive brief training to support residents. Oral health will be assessed before and after using the powered toothbrush to see if it helps.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits: Better oral hygiene, learning how to use a powered toothbrush safely, and helping improve care for others recovering from stroke.
Risks: Minimal; some participants may experience mild discomfort when brushing or learning to use a new device.
Where is the study run from?
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, rehabilitation wards, UK
When is the study starting and how long will it last?
January 2026 to March 2027.
Who is funding the study?
Oral-B
Who is the main contact?
Mrs Mili Doshi, Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, mili.doshi@nhs.net
Contact information
Principal investigator, Scientific, Public
Royal Hospital of Neurodisability
London
SW15 3SW
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 02087804500 |
|---|---|
| mili.doshi@nhs.net |
Study information
| Primary study design | Observational |
|---|---|
| Observational study design | Cohort study |
| Scientific title | Introducing powered toothbrushing and person-centred oral hygiene education in stroke rehabilitation: a feasibility study |
| Study objectives | 1. To assess the current oral health status and mouth care practices of individuals recovering from stroke. 2. To evaluate whether stroke survivors can use a powered toothbrush independently, and to identify the level and type of support required where independence is limited. 3. To determine whether person-centred oral health education, combined with the use of powered toothbrushes, improves oral hygiene and care routines. 4. To explore participants’ perceptions of powered toothbrushes, including acceptability, usability, and willingness to continue use. 5. To gather feedback from care staff regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of supporting powered toothbrush use in rehabilitation settings. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 23/12/2025, North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (Summerfield House, 2 Eday Road, Aberdeen, AB156RE, United Kingdom; +44 01224558458; gram.nosres@nhs.net), ref: 25/NS/0148 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | 1. Adults (over 18) who have had a stroke and are undergoing rehabilitation. |
| Intervention | This prospective observational study at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability rehabilitation wards will examine oral health and mouth care practices in patients who have experienced a stroke. Participants will provide informed consent and undergo oral health assessments using the NICE Oral Health Assessment Tool and plaque scoring, along with semi-structured interviews and observation of their mouth care routines. A powered toothbrush will be introduced, with training provided to participants and care staff, followed by a two-week post-intervention assessment. Carer and staff experiences will also be explored, and individualised oral care plans developed to support continuity of care. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically, and quantitative data summarised using descriptive statistics. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Completion date | 01/03/2027 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 30 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adults (over 18) who have had a stroke and are residents at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, undergoing rehabilitation. 2. Adults who have the capacity to consent 3. Adults who are not edentulous (they have teeth of any number) |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Adults resident at the RHN who do not have a history of a stroke 2. Adults who are assessed as lacking the capacity to consent to this study 3. Adults with no teeth |
| Date of first enrolment | 19/01/2026 |
| Date of final enrolment | 19/01/2027 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
London
SW15 3SW
England
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan |
Editorial Notes
07/01/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the North of Scotland Research Ethics Service, NHS Grampian, UK.
