Smart Phone Application Reminder for Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance to Improve Oral Hygiene

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In light of the extensive use of mobile phones and their associated software applications (Apps), as well as the undisputed role of reminders and Apps in behavioral interventions, the goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an application for smartphones (Brush DJ) to enhance oral hygiene compliance in individuals with fixed orthodontic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 82 patients between the ages of 18 and 22 were divided into four groups, two of which (the experimental group and the control group) had just begun fixed orthodontic treatment (called New) and the other two (the experimental group and the control group) were have passed fifth months from the beginning of the treatment (called Old). Patients in the intervention group were asked to use the Brush DJ smartphone App after getting traditional oral hygiene training, compared to patients in the control group who got conventional oral hygiene instruction. At baseline (T0), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks following the start of the study, the plaque index (PI) and marginal bleeding index (MBI) were measured. Only patients with the software completed a questionnaire to determine how frequently and how long they brushed their teeth each day. RESULTS: Both New and Old orthodontic cases in the intervention groups showed improvements in PI, whereas the parameter of bleeding showed no significant differences. During the follow-up period, application usage was associated with a higher brushing frequency and duration. CONCLUSION: Apps might significantly improve the oral hygiene compliance of orthodontic patients by acting as reminders and motivators.

Keywords

• Fixed orthodontic treatment
• Oral hygiene
• Smartphone Apps
• Reminders