Text Messaging for Children's Oral Health
Author Information
Author(s): Borrelli Belinda PhD, Endrighi Romano PhD, Heeren Timothy PhD, Adams William G. MD, Gansky Stuart A. DrPH, Werntz Scott, Rueras Nicolle MA, Stephens Danielle BA, Ameli Niloufar MS, Henshaw Michelle M. DDS
Primary Institution: Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Hypothesis
Can a bilingual, parent-targeted text messaging program improve oral health behaviors and decrease caries increment in a low-income and racially and ethnically diverse population of children?
Conclusion
The study found that while the text messaging intervention did not reduce caries increment, it significantly improved oral health behaviors among underserved children and their caregivers.
Supporting Evidence
- Text messages improved child toothbrushing and preventive dental visits.
- Caregivers in the intervention group brushed their teeth more often.
- Children in the intervention group were more likely to use fluoride toothpaste.
- High engagement rates with the text messaging program were reported.
Takeaway
This study showed that sending text messages to parents can help them and their kids take better care of their teeth, even if it didn't stop cavities from forming.
Methodology
The study was a randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of oral health text messages to child wellness text messages on caries increment and oral health behaviors over 24 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the impact of COVID-19 on participant follow-up.
Limitations
Lower-than-expected attendance for oral health assessments due to COVID-19 and reliance on self-reported toothbrushing behaviors.
Participant Demographics
Participants included racially and ethnically diverse caregivers (94.6% female) and their children (50% female), with 68.3% living below the poverty line.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.99
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.63-1.56
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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