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Effectiveness of Augmented Reality-Guided Interdental Brushing Instruction Compared With Conventional Methods: A
Seung-Hee Ryu1, Min-Joo Shin1, Hyun-Jae Cho1
1Department of Preventive Dentistry & Public Oral Health, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|July 3, 2026
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) instruction for interdental brushing showed plaque reduction comparable to in-mouth demonstrations and superior to traditional models. This technology offers a promising tool for improving oral hygiene practices.
Area of Science:
- Dental hygiene
- Health education technology
- Clinical research
Background:
- Traditional interdental brushing instruction methods (dentiform model, in-mouth demonstration) are operator-dependent and lack standardization.
- Augmented reality (AR) is a potential learning aid in clinical training, but its efficacy in patient education for oral hygiene was unproven.
- This study evaluated AR-guided instruction against conventional methods for interdental brushing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the short-term effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)-guided instruction versus dentiform model (DM) and in-mouth (IM) demonstrations for interdental brushing.
- To assess the impact of different instruction methods on plaque index (PI) and gingival bleeding outcomes.
- To evaluate the usability of the AR application for patient education.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 54 healthy adults with no prior interdental brush experience.
- Participants were stratified into three groups: dentiform model demonstration (DM, n=17), in-mouth demonstration (IM, n=19), and AR-guided instruction (AR, n=18).
- Standardized 15-minute instructions were provided at baseline and week 2, with outcomes assessed at week 4, including plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP).
Main Results:
- All groups showed significant plaque index (PI) reduction (p ≤ 0.001).
- Mean PI reduction at 4 weeks was significantly greater in the in-mouth (IM) and AR groups compared to the dentiform model (DM) group (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between IM and AR.
- Bleeding on probing (BOP) and bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB) improved across all groups without significant between-group differences. AR usability was rated highly (Cronbach's α = 0.928).
Conclusions:
- Augmented reality (AR)-guided interdental brushing instruction achieved plaque reduction comparable to in-mouth demonstrations.
- AR instruction proved significantly more effective than dentiform model instruction in reducing plaque.
- The findings support AR's potential as an effective adjunctive tool for dental hygiene education and practice.