Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
A Standardized Approach to Extra-Oral and Intra-Oral Digital Photography
Published on: July 22, 2022
Psychological, behavioral, and clinical effects of intra-oral camera: a randomized control trial on adults with
Mário-Rui Araújo1, Maria-João Alvarez2, Cristina A Godinho3,4
1Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. mra@meo.pt.
Objectives:
To evaluate the effects of using an intra-oral camera (IOC) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), on the psychological, behavioral, and clinical parameters of patients with gingivitis, outlined by evidence and a theory-based framework.
Methods:
A group of 78 adult patients with gingivitis receiving an SPT was randomized into two groups: IOC and control. Bleeding on Marginal Probing (BOMP), self-reported dental hygiene behaviors, and psychological determinants of behavior change (outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, and planning) and IOC opinion were evaluated 1 week before or during the appointment and 4 months later. Repeated-measures anova was used to compare groups over time.
Results:
Almost all the patients brushed their teeth daily, while 78% either never or hardly ever used dental floss. The IOC group showed significant improvements in BOMP index (P < 0.001), self-reported flossing (P < 0.05), and self-efficacy (P < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
The use of IOC significantly improves clinical, behavioral, and psychological determinants of periodontal health 4 months after treatment.
