Effect of Smartphone Application Reminder on Improving Oral Hygiene

Objective: To study the effect of smartphone application reminder on improving oral hygiene among male students from University of Kufa. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 120 students age ranging from 18 to 24 years were separated into two groups. All participants received a clinical examination and a questionnaire. After receiving typical oral hygiene instructions, participants in the study group were instructed to utilize the Brush DJ smartphone application and were compared to participants in the other group who got conventional oral hygiene instructions. Note that the two groups received same toothbrushes and toothpastes. The measurement of plaque and gingival index was done on three visits. Results: Independent of the group, participants improved from the first to the third measurements for both plaque and gingival index. Conclusion: Smartphone applications might significantly improve the oral hygiene compliance of students, by acting as reminders and motivators.