Foam Toothbrush Superior to regular toothbrush for Oral Hygiene in kids with Hyperactive ADHD: Study
A study published in Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry evaluated the effectiveness of foam toothbrushes compared to conventional toothbrushes in improving oral hygiene among children diagnosed with hyperactive-type ADHD.
Researchers found that foam toothbrushes were more effective in reducing plaque accumulation and maintaining oral hygiene, likely due to their soft texture and ease of use, which better accommodates children with attention and hyperactivity challenges.
The study involved children aged 6–12 years with hyperactive ADHD who were randomly assigned to use either a foam toothbrush or a standard toothbrush over a period of several weeks. Oral health outcomes were assessed using plaque and gingival indices, along with observations of brushing technique and compliance.
Children using foam toothbrushes demonstrated significantly lower plaque scores, improved gingival health, and higher adherence to oral hygiene routines compared with those using regular toothbrushes. The intervention also showed positive effects on reducing brushing-related stress in children prone to hyperactivity and distractibility.
The authors highlighted that foam toothbrushes offer a practical, low-cost, and child-friendly option for improving oral hygiene in pediatric populations with ADHD. Incorporating foam toothbrushes into daily routines may enhance cooperation, reduce oral health disparities, and promote long-term dental care habits.
This study supports the integration of specialized oral hygiene tools in behavioral management strategies for children with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches in pediatric dental care. Further studies could explore the impact of foam toothbrushes on different subtypes of ADHD and in combination with other behavioral interventions.
Reference:
Sharma, P., Verma, R., & Gupta, S. (2025). Effectiveness of foam toothbrush on oral hygiene in children with hyperactive ADHD: A randomized clinical study. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPD.000000000000014
