Toothbrushing Education via a Smart Software Visualization System

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a recently developed smart digital toothbrush monitoring and training system (DTS) in terms of correct brushing motion and grip axis orientation in an at‐home environment.Methods: Twenty‐one participants (11 test individuals [DTSG] and 10 control individuals [COG]) received instructions on the modified Bass technique (MBT) after their toothbrushing performance was monitored and they received professional tooth cleaning (T0). After 36 hours (T1), without mechanical oral hygiene measures, plaque and gingival indices were recorded, and the brushing technique was reviewed. After randomization, participants individually performed oral hygiene for 6 weeks (T2) with the provided oral hygiene kits. The DTSG group additionally used DTS. During the following 8 weeks (T3), participants used their original brushing devices without any additional interference. Investigators at each visit were masked regarding group identity. Data were statistically evaluated using Mann‐Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and paired tests and Pearson correlation.Results: At T0, 27.27% of DTSG participants used the MBT correctly (COG, 50%), increasing to 54.55% (COG, 60%) after professional instruction (T1) and further to 90.91% at T2 (COG, 60%) (P <0.001). Plaque scores were reduced in DTSG (P <0.05). At T3, 80% of the DTSG (COG, 40%) totally adopted the MBT (P <0.05). The plaque scores on buccal surfaces of the DTSG showed an additional slight improvement between T2 and T3, in contrast to a decline on oral surfaces (P <0.001). At T2 and T3, the DTSG brushed >120 seconds (COG, 90% and 50%) (P <0.05).Conclusion: Apparently, the tested DTS effectively improves the brushing technique and leads to a prolonged learning effect, including improved oral hygiene.

Toothbrushing Performance Evaluation Using Smartphone Audio Based on Hybrid HMM-recognition/SVM-regression Model

“…[14], Braun's SmartGuide was used to study the effects of real-time feedback on the quality of toothbrushing, in which they found a significant improvement in brushing habits when using this system. Other research has been conducted on the analysis of toothbrushing behavior using optical motion capture systems [2], [13] and embedded accelerometer sensors [11], [15], [16], [17], [25]. In particular, a system developed in Ref.…”

“…Similarly, Ref. [11] used an embedded accelerometer to evaluate toothbrushing performance, using graphical feedback to motivate better performance. In each of these systems, specialized hardware was required, such as a specialized toothbrush or an accelerometer.…”

“…For example, Braun * 1 has released a commercial product called SmartGuide that uses an embedded sensor to detect the force exerted on the teeth during brushing and uses a timing display on a smartphone screen to both prompt users to cycle through different regions of the mouth and provide immediate feedback when the user applies too much pressure. Other research has been conducted on the analysis of toothbrushing behavior using optical motion capture systems [2], [13] and embedded accelerometer sensors [11], [15], [16], [17], [25]. We introduce each of these in detail in the related work section.…”

Gender difference of tooth brushing motion and force on self-brushing and caregivers' brushing in dental professionals

“…Recently, several studies have tried to evaluate brushing motion three-dimensionally [5][6][7][8][9]. Tosaka, et al [6] demonstrated characteristics of tooth brushing motion and brushing force using a three-dimensional (3-D) accelerometer and a strain tension gage.…”

Difference of toothbrushing motion between dental hygienists and mothers -Focusing on self-toothbrushing and caregivers’-toothbrushing

“…Also in the fields of dentistry, several studies have tried to evaluate brushing techniques in terms of tooth brushing motion three-dimensionally [5][6][7][8]. Inada, et al.…”