The Effect of Using a Smartphone App on Oral Hygiene and Brushing Training During Fixed Orthodontic Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: This study aimed to study the effectiveness of a smartphone application compared to traditional verbal motivation in improving oral hygiene among fixed orthodontic patients. Methods: Sixty patients were categorized by oral hygiene status using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and randomly assigned to either the Dentabuddy group (smartphone application) or the assistant-based training (ABT) group (conventional oral hygiene motivation). Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) values were recorded at baseline, one month, and three months. Toothbrushing technique was assessed at the three-month follow-up. Results: After three months, the Dentabuddy group exhibited significant GI reductions in participants with fair and poor oral hygiene, whereas the ABT group improved only in those with poor hygiene (p < 0.05). PI values decreased significantly in both groups, except in the ABT group with good and fair hygiene. GBI values improved in both groups, except in the ABT group with fair and poor hygiene (p < 0.05). Toothbrushing demonstrations showed superior technique in the Dentabuddy group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The Dentabuddy application positively influenced oral hygiene, particularly in individuals with fair and poor hygiene, compared to ABT. This study underscores the potential of smartphone applications in enhancing periodontal health outcomes beyond traditional oral hygiene methods in orthodontic patients with fair or poor hygiene.