New research has explored the possibility of text messages being used as a method of improving toothbrushing frequency among teenagers. The research also looked to see if text messages can help to reduce tooth decay. Getting into good oral hygiene habits at a young age is important.
Many parents are all too familiar with the idea that getting the attention of their teenage son or daughter is far from easy – especially when they have a smartphone in their hand.
Some may have resorted to messaging their son or daughter on their phone to remind them of something. Now, new research has shown that such an approach may actually benefit the toothbrushing habits of teenagers [1].
The research suggests that teenagers are receptive to text message reminders about toothbrushing. This could benefit their oral health and overall wellbeing.
Background
This research involved looking at the oral health habits of teenagers. As discussed, smartphone use is rife among this age group. In fact, research shows that teenagers spend an average of 8 and a half hours on screens per day – a staggering amount [2].
Looking after oral health in teenage years is important. By having a strong oral hygiene routine, it can set habits that teenagers can hopefully take forward for the rest of their life.
However, tooth decay is a very common problem in teenagers. Research shows that tooth decay affects around a third of those aged between 12 and 15 [3].
The researchers also wanted to place some focus on youngsters living in areas of poverty. Tooth decay affects almost 50% of youngsters in areas of poverty [3].
Tooth decay can cause a range of problems. For example, these include toothache, eating problems, an infection, poor sleep, and reduced school attendance and performance.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the University of Sheffield in England. Moreover, they collaborated with other institutions across the United Kingdom. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Health Technology Assessment journal [1].
The study involved the creation of the BRIGHT trial, which involved 4,680 students aged 11 to 13 across 42 schools in England, Scotland and Wales [1].
For the purposes of the study, the students were split into two groups. One group would receive a 50-minute lesson delivered in a classroom by teachers, and two text messages per day to their mobile phone to remind them about toothbrushing [1].
The second group didn’t receive any of the above, other than routine education [1]. The researchers wanted to see what impact these text messages would have.
All 4,680 participants had their teeth examined at the start of the study. The text messages continued over a two-and-a-half-year period [1].
At the end of the period, the participants had their teeth re-examined. The researchers were looking to see if there was an increase or decrease in tooth decay.
The researchers then compared the groups to see if the group that had received the text messages had seen more of an improvement in their oral health than those that didn’t receive the texts [1].
The Results
The research produced mixed results. Overall, the impact on cavity prevention was minimal, with the two groups showing very little difference. Therefore, this means that the text messages didn’t particularly contribute towards lessening the need for restorative work like fillings [1].
However, there were some positives. The results showed that the text messages were particularly effective for students coming from low-income families. Their analysis found some evidence of tooth decay prevention among this group [1]. So this meant that those from low-income families were helped by the text messages.
Furthermore, the researchers also asked the participants to self-report on the frequency that they brushed their teeth. Promisingly, self-reported brushing habits improved after six months [1].
Therefore, this is another benefit to emanate from the text messages. With more people brushing their teeth, this should help their oral health in the long-term.
Summary
In conclusion, while the text messages may not have had the impact that the researchers hoped, there were certainly modest improvements.
The most positive element of the research was the excellent impact it had on teenagers from areas with high rates of poverty. This is very positive, as those from a poverty-stricken background are more vulnerable to oral health problems.
Professor Zoe Marshman of the University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry has commented on the findings. She has mentioned that secondary school represents “a critical stage for toothbrushing practices to become an established behaviour for adulthood” [3].
Continuing, Marshman says that “it is vital to help young people to improve their understanding of the importance of toothbrushing and skills to prevent tooth decay” [3]. Therefore, this underlines how crucial toothbrushing is for this age group.
In terms of the next steps, the research team are hoping to use these findings to investigate what other measures can be put in place to help teenagers with their oral health.
The aim is that in the long term, we will see an improvement in the oral health of teenagers around the world. Text messages appear to offer a promising option in this regard.
Thinking points…
1) Having a strong oral health routine is crucial not only during teenage years, but also in adulthood! Remember to look after your teeth and brush frequently. Another important thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to examine your oral health and notice any problems. We recommend that you book an appointment now!
2) Do you have a teenage son or daughter? If so, this research is very relevant! As seen above, having text reminders can be helpful to increase toothbrushing frequency. With this in mind, you could arrange for your children to get reminders on their phone to brush their teeth. Why not look into this possibility right away?!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Marshman, Z., Ainsworth, H., & Fairhurst, C., et al. (2024). Behaviour change intervention (education and text) to prevent dental caries in secondary school pupils: BRIGHT RCT, process and economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment. 28 (52). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3310/JQTA2103.
[2] Rosenberg, D., & Szura, N. (2023). Teens are spending the equivalent of a 40-hour work week on their devices. Here’s how to help them find the right balance. Available: https://fortune.com/well/2023/10/24/teens-too-much-screen-time-find-balance/. Last accessed: 23rd October 2024.
[3] University of Sheffield. (2024). Text message reminders can help improve oral health in teenagers. Available: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/text-message-reminders-can-help-improve-oral-health-teenagers. Last accessed: 23rd October 2024.
