Text message reminders can help improve oral health in teenagers
17 October 2024
A trial co-led by Cardiff and Sheffield Universities shows that text message reminders can help improve tooth brushing habits in teenagers, particularly from low-income families
Researchers from Cardiff University, in collaboration with the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, York and Dundee, investigated the effectiveness of a new programme designed to encourage better brushing habits and reduce tooth decay in secondary school pupils.
Tooth decay is a very common disease affecting a third of young people aged between 12-15, with this increasing to nearly a half in areas of poverty. Young people with tooth decay often suffer from toothache, loss of sleep and trouble eating, as well as it impacting their overall physical health, mental wellbeing and school attendance levels.
The BRIGHT trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), featured 4,680 students from 42 schools across England, Scotland and Wales, who received a classroom lesson on oral health and twice-daily text message reminders about toothbrushing.
Professor Nicola Innes, Head of Cardiff University's School of Dentistry and Chief Investigator on the trial, has said:
Adolescents and young adults are at a crucial time in their lives for developing healthy habits with their growing independence. This trial was designed with young people, and aimed to fit in with their lives; a School-based lesson and a communication tool they're very familiar with - text messaging.
While the overall impact on preventing cavities was not significant, the report did identify a positive effect on self-reported brushing habits six months later, and evidence of tooth decay prevention amongst students from low-income families, suggesting the programme may be particularly beneficial for this group.
The text messages and lessons were well-received by students and teachers, with the lesson plans having been downloaded almost 1,000 times already.
The BRIGHT Trial has also received a Health and Social Care Impact Award for it's role shaping the future of oral health in communities across Wales. You can learn more about this in the video below:
