Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Automated coaching to help parents increase their children's brushing frequency: an exploratory trial
R Hurling1, J P Claessen, J Nicholson
1Unilever Research, Colworth, Bedford, UK. bob.hurling@unilever.com
Community Dental Health
|July 30, 2013
Summary
This study shows an internet-based oral hygiene program significantly increased tooth brushing frequency in children. The online coaching effectively improved children's oral hygiene habits.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Pediatric Oral Health
Background:
- Digital communication offers cost-effective solutions for home-based oral hygiene interventions.
- Social cognitive models inform behavior change strategies for families.
- Novel internet-based interventions can address challenges in establishing good oral hygiene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel internet-based oral hygiene coaching program.
- To determine if the intervention group would increase tooth brushing frequency compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design.
- Participants included children aged 5-9 years from 44 families.
- Tooth brushing frequency was objectively monitored.
Main Results:
- Children in the intervention group brushed their teeth 38% more frequently over a 3-week period.
- The online coaching program demonstrated effectiveness in improving oral hygiene behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The internet-based oral hygiene program proved effective in increasing tooth brushing frequency.
- Future research should focus on enhancing engagement to improve compliance.
- Digital health interventions show promise for pediatric oral hygiene education.
