Mobile Health to Improve Efficacy of Interdental Brushing Among Periodontitis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Compliance with plaque control measures in open interdental spaces, an essential element in management of periodontitis, is reported to be poor. Mobile health (mHealth) approach is an effective approach for behavior change. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mHealth in improving plaque control in type 2 embrasures.

Stage II or III, grade B periodontitis patients (n = 76) with type 2 embrasures were enrolled. Phase I therapy was provided in both groups. In the control group, interdental brushing instructions were given only at baseline and follow-up appointments. In the test group, interdental brushing was also reinforced by regular text messages for 3 months. Clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and interdental papillary height (IPH) were measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months.

Intergroup comparison from baseline to 6 months showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between groups in all parameters with more reduction in mean values in test group. Intergroup comparison from 3 to 6 months showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean values of PI, PBI, GI, PPD, CAL, and IPH with higher reduction in test group. Intragroup comparison from 3 to 6 months showed statistically significant reduction in mean values in PI, PBI, PPD, CAL, and IPH only in test group (p < 0.05).

Cue to action through mobile text messages effectively augments compliance with the use of interdental brush, improves plaque control, and manages stage II or stage III periodontitis following subgingival instrumentation.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05565404.