Virtual reality in oral hygiene instruction: an innovative and effective method (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Currently, oral health issues have been increasingly addressed, virtual reality (VR), being used as an aid in the health area. However, there is little evidence of the use of VR in preventing oral health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of VR in oral hygiene education. METHODS Three hundred students, aged 9 to 12 years old received instructions in oral hygiene by immersion in VR and they opined about the performed activies. Chi--square and Fisher's exact tests were applied, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS The participants' perception of oral hygiene showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.550). There was an increase in the use of dental floss (p=<0.0001), in tongue brushing (p=<0.0001), and in tooth brushing (p=<0.0001). The drawings performed by the participants demonstrated drawings related to oral hygiene and the messages were positive regarding the project. CONCLUSIONS The use of VR in oral hygiene instructions was effective. Most participants increased the frequency of tooth and tonghe brushing, of the use of dental floss, and made drawings related to oral hygiene.