An eight‐month randomized controlled trial on the use of intra‐oral cameras and text messages for gingivitis control among adults

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of using an intra‐oral camera (IOC) during a dental hygiene consultation and mobile text messages (TM) between appointments on clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of patients with gingivitis. Materials and methods Patients were randomly assigned into four conditions: IOC, TM, IOC + TM and control, and examined at three assessment points over eight months (N = 142). Bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and social cognitive determinants of behaviour change (outcome expectancies, action and volitional self‐efficacy, intention, planning and action control) were evaluated in an examiner‐blind controlled study. Mixed‐effects modelling was employed to examine changes in study outcomes. Mediations by the psychological determinants were inspected for the effect on treatment groups in clinical parameters and behaviour. Results Compared to the control group, all treatment conditions improved dental hygiene and revealed a significant decrease in BOMP from baseline to 4 months, maintained at 8 months; this was clinically relevant in the IOC + TM group, where individuals had more positive outcome expectancies as well as higher levels of action self‐efficacy and intention from baseline to four months, maintained at eight months. Volitional self‐efficacy was reinforced in all treatments. The psychological determinants did not prove to be the mechanisms responsible for these effects. Conclusions A multiple‐strategy benefit from using the IOC in consultation and TM between appointments improves clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of periodontal health four months after treatment, maintained at eight months’ follow‐up. Insights are provided for the efficacy of the images and text messages for oral hygiene changes.

<p>Clinical applications of intraoral camera to increase patient compliance - current perspectives</p>

“…The use of photographs and videos captured by the IOC in a dental appointment can contribute to improved gingival health, oral hygiene behaviors, and perceived self-efficacy 66. Similarly, an eight-month randomized control trial on the use of IOC and text messages for the control of gingivitis showed that using IOC during consultation and text messages between appointments improves clinical, behavioral, and psychological parameters of periodontal health 68…”

Intraoral Camera Use in a Dental School Clinic: Evaluations by Faculty, Students, and Patients

“…[1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9] Consequently, some have concluded that intraoral cameras were an important aid to providing high-quality dentistry. 4,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Studies have found improved occlusal caries detection using an intraoral camera 4,11 and improved restorative treatment decisions. 4,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Studies have found improved occlusal caries detection using an intraoral camera 4,11 and improved restorative treatment decisions.…”

“…16 Willershausen et al's study demonstrated that intraoral cameras helped motivate patients to reduce plaque accumulation, as the intraoral camera group showed reduction of plaque levels when compared to the control group. 15 Considering all these indings, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics (UI-CODDC) purchased nine intraoral cameras for student use. Use of the intraoral camera has also been linked with signiicant improvements in patients' behavioral, psychological, and clinical determinants of gingivitis.…”

“…3 Other studies that assessed the outcomes of intraoral camera use in clinical dentistry either conirmed or disproved the beneits of intraoral camera use. 4,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Studies have found improved occlusal caries detection using an intraoral camera 4,11 and improved restorative treatment decisions. 12 The intraoral camera was found in two studies to be helpful in determining the absence, presence, and extension of carious lesions more accurately than with other evaluated methods (unaided visual examination and operating microscope).…”

“…Araujo et al found that patients who used an intraoral camera had a greater increase in lossing and toothbrushing habits than those who did not, with a corresponding decrease in bleeding on probing. 15 Considering all these indings, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics (UI-CODDC) purchased nine intraoral cameras for student use. The anticipated outcomes include improved communication among student, faculty, patient, and third parties (dental laboratories, insurance companies), 17 improved acceptance of treatment plans by patients, enhanced participation/partnership in diagnosis and treatment planning, and enhanced visual assessment and comparison of intraoral changes over time using intraoral camera images.…”