AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile applications and text messages, compared with conventional oral hygiene instructions, for improving oral health knowledge and/or reducing gingival inflammation, when delivered to adolescents, adults and mothers of young children. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of mobile applications or text messages related to oral hygiene and/or oral health education were screened. A search was performed in the Medline-PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases and the grey literature. The eligible studies comprised those related to plaque, gingival bleeding and/or oral health knowledge as outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool and the GRADE system. Two meta-analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Among the fifteen studies selected, twelve (80%) used text messages and thirteen (87%) showed better results when mobile technology was used. The pooled SMD for the dental plaque index (n = 10 studies) was -9.43 (95% CI -14.36 to -4.495; I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), and that of gingival bleeding (n = 7 studies) was -8.54 (95% CI -13.16 to -3.91; I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), indicating significant improvement in dental plaque control and gingival bleeding for groups that received the mobile health (mHealth) strategy. CONCLUSION: mHealth can be used as an adjunct component in managing gingivitis, acquiring oral health knowledge and improving oral hygiene.
AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile applications and text messages, compared with conventional oral hygiene instructions, for improving oral health knowledge and/or reducing gingival inflammation, when delivered to adolescents, adults and mothers of young children. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of mobile applications or text messages related to oral hygiene and/or oral health education were screened. A search was performed in the Medline-PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases and the grey literature. The eligible studies comprised those related to plaque, gingival bleeding and/or oral health knowledge as outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool and the GRADE system. Two meta-analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Among the fifteen studies selected, twelve (80%) used text messages and thirteen (87%) showed better results when mobile technology was used. The pooled SMD for the dental plaque index (n = 10 studies) was -9.43 (95% CI -14.36 to -4.495; I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), and that of gingival bleeding (n = 7 studies) was -8.54 (95% CI -13.16 to -3.91; I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), indicating significant improvement in dental plaque control and gingival bleeding for groups that received the mobile health (mHealth) strategy. CONCLUSION: mHealth can be used as an adjunct component in managing gingivitis, acquiring oral health knowledge and improving oral hygiene.
Authors: Janneke F M Scheerman; Berno van Meijel; Pepijn van Empelen; Gijsbert H W Verrips; Cor van Loveren; Jos W R Twisk; Amir H Pakpour; Matheus C T van den Braak; Gem J C Kramer Journal: Int J Dent Hyg Date: 2019-08-09 Impact factor: 2.477
Authors: Sarab Elyousfi; Nicola Innes; Heather Leggett; Hannah Ainsworth; Ivor G Chestnutt; Peter Day; Mark Robertson; Sue Pavitt; Ian Kellar; Donna Dey; Zoe Marshman Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2022-02-23 Impact factor: 2.757