Using smartphone video “selfies” to monitor change in toothbrushing behavior after a brief intervention: A pilot study.
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Date
2016-05
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Abstract
Background: Attempts to refine toothbrushing (TB) technique, an ingrained habit in adults, can meet
with some challenges. Recently, the role of proactive interference as a barrier to improving the learning
of proper brushing has been proposed. This pilot feasibility study was designed to investigate TB
behavior and to see how it changes after training. Smartphone video “selfies” (SPVSs) are increasingly
being used in the medical field to assess, monitor, and determine the progression of diseases.
Materials and Methods: We used SPVS to study TB skills in a small sample of volunteers.
Over a period of 14 days, after a one‑time group training session, we observed TB behavior of
volunteers using self‑captured SPVS.
Results: Following the brief intervention, we observed an 8% of improvement in TB skills.
Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report using SPVS to study TB behavior.
We demonstrated initial feasibility of using SPVS in the dental setting. We observed modest
improvements in toothbrushing accuracy and quality, and we generated important experiences
about the use of Selfies for TB monitoring and intervention, and some interesting insights about
where in the toothbrushing is more or less effective.
Conclusion: Further investigation using a larger sample size is needed to thoroughly assess the
effectiveness of this approach to improve TB skills and better understand the role of proactive
interference.
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Keywords
Behavior change, brushing techniques, selfies, toothbrushing, video
Citation
Kumar Parangimalai Diwakar Madan, Mohandoss Anusa Arunachalam, Walls Theodore, Rooban Thavarajah, Vernon Lance T. Using smartphone video “selfies” to monitor change in toothbrushing behavior after a brief intervention: A pilot study. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2016 May-June; 27(3): 268-277.