Exploring mobile applications for oral health promotion: a randomized clinical trial

This study explored young adults' perceptions of oral health apps and assessed whether the Dentalcluj Brush Assistant or Brush DJ app improved oral hygiene and gingival inflammation.

An exploratory randomized clinical trial with a parallel repeated measures design was conducted among Bachelor of Dental Laboratory Technology students. Inclusion criteria required students to be between the ages of 18 and 20 years, have a smartphone, and provide informed consent. Participants received a dental hygiene appointment at baseline, followed by simple random and sequential allocation into 1 of 3 groups: Brush DJ app, Dentalcluj Brush Assistant app or control group. App users were instructed to download and use the app during the study. Questionnaires assessed oral hygiene behaviours and app perceptions at baseline and after the study. A calibrated and blinded investigator measured bleeding on probing (BOP) and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) at 3 moments, 15 days apart. Statistical analyses included Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Friedman tests (α = 0.05).

The sample comprised 24 participants (8 per group). All groups had an improved OHI-S, but the Dentalcluj Brush Assistant group showed the most significant results (p = 0.004) and was the only group with significant BOP index improvement (p = 0.02). Half the participants found the apps helpful, highlighting the visual step-by-step brushing technique. However, some noted issues with impracticality and aesthetics.

Apps appear beneficial as a complement to oral health care appointments, with the Dentalcluj Brush Assistant showing the best results.