Apps for oral hygiene in children 4 to 7 years: Fun and effectiveness

BACKGROUND: Nowadays apps in preschool age are largely used in learning improvement. The aim of this work was to test effectiveness of apps in improving oral hygiene in children patients aged from 4 to 7 years and evaluating correlation between parents educational attainment and children oral hygiene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 patients aged from 4 to 7 years were randomly assigned by an external office in the study group (SG: 32 females, 18 males) and in the control group (CG: 28 females and 22 males). Plaque index (PI) and carious lesions localisation were detected. At baseline all patients and one of the parents were instructed at chair-side about the proper oral hygiene techniques. SG patients were also given app as an aid in oral hygiene practice. Follow-up was 12 months. Measurements were made every three months at chair-side visits. Information about children compliance in oral hygiene and educational level of parents were obtained by questionnaires at t0 and after 12 months. RESULTS: SG patients showed stronger oral hygiene and PI lower than those in CG. Questionnaire showed higher compliance of SG patients and parents educational level seemed to affect children oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: Apps in children allowed achieving encouraging results with improvement of oral hygiene and health. Key words:Apps, oral hygiene compliance, children oral hygiene, motivation, educational attainment.