Enhanced Oral Health Care for Gum Disease in Pregnancy
(CHEER Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve dental care for pregnant individuals with gum disease. It provides free dental check-ups and cleanings to determine if better oral health can lead to healthier pregnancies. Researchers compare two methods of dental care: one group receives a full care kit and weekly reminders (Enhanced Care +), while the other receives standard education (Enhanced Care). This trial suits those who are less than 20 weeks pregnant and show signs of gum disease. Participants must have dental insurance and receive prenatal care at specific clinics. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance dental care for pregnant individuals.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those on immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that using products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss during pregnancy does not cause any known harmful effects. However, detailed studies on these products for pregnant individuals are lacking. The Enhanced Care Plus treatment provides participants with these oral care tools and education to improve dental health.
Maintaining oral hygiene during pregnancy is generally safe and important. It helps prevent gum disease, which can otherwise increase the risk of early labor and low birth weight. Although specific data on the exact safety of the Enhanced Care Plus program is unavailable, the tools and practices used are common and have not shown harmful effects in similar contexts.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique approach to managing gum disease during pregnancy. Unlike standard care, which often involves basic oral hygiene education, the "Enhanced Care +" method includes a comprehensive home oral care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. It also provides structured oral hygiene education and reinforces behavioral changes through weekly surveys. This holistic approach aims to not only improve oral health but also instill lasting habits, making it a potentially game-changing strategy for improving gum health in pregnant individuals.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for gum disease in pregnancy?
Research has shown that maintaining oral health can reduce gum problems during and after pregnancy. For instance, gum disease in mothers links to a higher risk of early birth and smaller babies. Studies suggest that treating gum disease might improve pregnancy outcomes, though results can vary. In this trial, participants in the Enhanced Care Plus arm will receive a home oral care kit and regular educational support, which may help manage gum issues and improve oral health habits. This approach aims to support better pregnancy outcomes by enhancing oral health.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Effie Ioannidou, DDS, MDS
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
The CHEER study is for pregnant individuals over 18 with signs of gum disease, who have dental insurance, access to a mobile phone, and are less than 20 weeks into their pregnancy. They should be getting prenatal care at affiliated clinics and able to consent.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive structured oral health interventions, including education and behavioral reinforcement, during pregnancy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in periodontal inflammation and oral health behaviors postpartum
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Enhanced Care
- Enhanced Care +
Trial Overview
This study tests two noninvasive oral health interventions during pregnancy. It aims to see if either method reduces gum inflammation better during and after pregnancy and whether they improve oral health behaviors or birth outcomes.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Enhanced Care + receive a home oral care kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss), structured oral hygiene education, and behavioral reinforcement via weekly surveys
Participants receive "enhanced care" where they received standard oral hygiene education at the baseline visit. Do NOT receive oral care kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss), structured oral hygiene education, and behavioral reinforcement via weekly surveys
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
Colgate Palmolive
Industry Sponsor
Noel Wallace
Colgate Palmolive
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
MBA from Harvard Business School
Diana Haussling
Colgate Palmolive
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Bachelor's degree in Marketing
Citations
CHEER Oral Health in Pregnancy Study
Aim 1: To evaluate whether a structured oral health intervention reduces periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and postpartum in pregnant ...
The impact of maternal gum disease on pregnancy outcomes ...
Maternal gum disease was associated with an increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA) and falls below the 10th percentile.
Enhanced Oral Health Care for Gum Disease in Pregnancy ...
This study tests two noninvasive oral health interventions during pregnancy. It aims to see if either method reduces gum inflammation better during and after ...
Does Oral Health Impact Pregnancy Outcomes?
Studies from 2024 confirm that chronic gingivitis and periodontitis are associated with higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. The ...
Exploring the Influence of Oral Health on Pregnancy ...
Intervention trials show mixed results—some small studies report improved birth outcomes after periodontal treatment, while larger trials show ...
Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the ...
No adverse effects have been reported with these products during pregnancy but they have not been studied extensively. For patients with vomiting secondary to ...
7.
colgate.com
colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/periodontal-disease-and-pregnancy-whats-the-connectionPeriodontal Disease and Pregnancy: What's the Connection?
Effects of Gum Disease on Pregnancy Outcomes · Preterm labor · Low birth weight · Restriction of the baby's growth.
8.
es.deltadentalins.com
es.deltadentalins.com/administrators/word-of-mouth/2023/pregnancy-benefit.htmlExtra care for expecting members - Delta Dental
It's estimated that nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Tooth decay and cavities. Increased acidity in the oral ...
Improving Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women
Periodontal disease (gum disease) during pregnancy increases the risk for delivering a preterm and/or low birth weight infant. Only 46% of U.S. ...
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