Using a mobile phone-based application as an adjunct to facilitate oral hygiene practices in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a mobile phone application to facilitate oral hygiene practices in children with ADHD.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled study that included 54 ADHD children after obtaining informed parental consent. The children were randomly divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (conventional) participants were instructed verbally as well as demonstrated the brushing technique on models. Group 2 (mobile phone application) participants were made to download and use the 'BRUSH DJ' app developed by Ben Underwood. At baseline, the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) [Greene and Vermillion, 1964] of each child was evaluated clinically and the parents were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding the oral hygiene practices followed by their child every day. At the end of the second, sixth, and twelfth week, the parents were asked to fill the same questionnaire in addition to the evaluation of the OHI-S index.

Results: A significant difference was found in the brushing time, brushing frequency, and OHI-S index between group 1 and group 2 at the end of 12 weeks. (unpaired t-test, p<0.05)

Conclusion: The mobile phone application proved to be an effective tool in captivating the attention of these children and thus improving their oral health.