Effectiveness of a digital device providing real-time visualized tooth brushing instructions: A randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene
• Digital health technology
• Preventive dentistry

Background:

• Dental plaque accumulation is a primary cause of oral diseases.
• Traditional brushing instructions have limitations in ensuring consistent effectiveness.
• Novel technologies are being explored to enhance oral care practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a digital device providing real-time visualized brushing guidance.
• To compare plaque removal using the digital device versus standard brushing instructions.
• To assess the impact on plaque control record (PCR) scores.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Participants (n=112) were assigned to an intervention group (digital device with real-time feedback) or a control group (digital device for logging only).
• The primary outcome was the change in the 6-point method plaque control record (PCR) score from baseline to 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a mean PCR score change of -20.46% from baseline.
• The control group showed a mean PCR score change of -15.77% from baseline.
• While the intervention group trended towards greater plaque reduction, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.088).

Conclusions:

• Real-time visualized brushing instructions from a digital device show potential for improving dental plaque removal.
• Further research with larger sample sizes may be needed to confirm statistical significance.
• This technology could offer a supplementary tool for enhancing patient oral hygiene compliance.