Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Using a mobile phone-based application as an adjunct to facilitate oral hygiene practices in children with Attention
H Gurnani1, S Naik2, A Dsouza3
1BDS, MDS, Pediatric & Preventive Dentist, Myofunctional Therapist, Mumbai, India.
Aim:
To evaluate the efficacy of a mobile phone application to facilitate oral hygiene practices in children with ADHD.
Methods:
This was a randomized controlled study that included 54 ADHD children after obtaining informed parental consent. The children were randomly divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (conventional) participants were instructed verbally as well as demonstrated the brushing technique on models. Group 2 (mobile phone application) participants were made to download and use the 'BRUSH DJ' app developed by Ben Underwood. At baseline, the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) [Greene and Vermillion, 1964] of each child was evaluated clinically and the parents were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding the oral hygiene practices followed by their child every day. At the end of the second, sixth, and twelfth week, the parents were asked to fill the same questionnaire in addition to the evaluation of the OHI-S index.
Results:
A significant difference was found in the brushing time, brushing frequency, and OHI-S index between group 1 and group 2 at the end of 12 weeks. (unpaired t-test, p<0.05)
Conclusion:
The mobile phone application proved to be an effective tool in captivating the attention of these children and thus improving their oral health.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...

