Parent-Targeted Oral Health Text Messaging for Underserved Children Attending Pediatric Clinics: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Health Communication

Background:

• Childhood caries is a prevalent chronic disease with significant health disparities.
• Underserved populations often face greater barriers to accessing consistent oral healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of parent-targeted oral health text (OHT) messages compared to child wellness text (CWT) messages.
• To assess the impact on pediatric caries increment and oral health behaviors in underserved children.

Main Methods:

• A parallel randomized clinical trial (iSmile) involving underserved children under 7 years old.
• Participants received either OHT or CWT messages for 4 months, with a booster.
• Primary outcome was 24-month caries increment; secondary outcomes included oral health behaviors via self-report.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in caries increment between OHT and CWT groups.
• Children receiving OHT messages were more likely to meet toothbrushing guidelines, have preventive dental visits, and use fluoride toothpaste.
• Caregivers receiving OHT messages also showed improved toothbrushing habits.

Conclusions:

• Parent-targeted oral health text messages effectively improved preventive dental behaviors in children and caregivers.
• While behavior change was observed, OHT messages did not significantly reduce caries increment.
• Text messaging interventions show promise for reducing oral health disparities by promoting preventive behaviors.