Oral Health Literacy

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to test the null hypothesis that parent education using an intraoral camera has no effect on children's oral hygiene levels, parental oral health literacy, or plaque accumulation on first permanent molars compared with standard verbal education. 40 children aged 5-7 and their parents will be randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group will receive real-time visualization of dental conditions and brushing techniques using an intraoral camera, while the control group will receive standard verbal education using a brushing model. Outcomes include children's plaque and gum health and ICDAS caries scores. Secondary outcomes include Occlusal Plaque Index (OPI) on first molars. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 1-month follow-up. This study tests whether intraoral camera-assisted education leads to better oral hygiene outcomes in children, improves parents' oral health literacy, and reduces plaque accumulation on the first permanent molars compared to standard verbal education.

Orthodontic patients face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene due to the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances, which tend to increase plaque retention, leading to gingival inflammation. Oral Health Literacy (OHL) plays a role in an individual's ability to understand and implement oral hygiene instructions effectively. Mobile oral health interventions involve the use of mobile technology such as smartphones to improve oral hygiene practices and outcomes. Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of a mobile oral health intervention using WhatsApp messages as compared to standard oral hygiene instructions on oral hygiene status and OHL level among orthodontic patients.