Cariogram-based Comparison of Caries Risk Profile in Preschoolers Before and After Giving Parent-oriented Educational Mobile Messages: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) holds immense promise in revolutionizing personalized approaches to disease prevention. Parental involvement plays an important role in shaping children's oral health behaviors.

Aim: To assess and compare the effectiveness of parent-oriented educational mobile messages and conventional oral health education (OHE) in the caries risk profile among preschoolers using Cariogram.

Materials and methods: A double-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother-child pairs from four preschools. The study recruited mothers with smartphones, while children who were ill and without dental caries were excluded. A computer-generated table of random numbers was employed to randomize participants to the mHealth group (n = 50) and conventional OHE group (n = 50). The intervention group received educational messages via WhatsApp every 2 weeks for 4 months, alongside conventional OHE, and the control group (n = 50) received only OHE. The outcome assessor remained blinded throughout the study period. Cariogram was assessed at baseline and after 4 months.

Results: Among the 100 mother-child pairs who enrolled in the study, 84 completed it. The mHealth group showed a significant increase in the chance to avoid new cavities and a decrease in high-risk participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, the intervention group exhibited reduced Lactobacillus count, snack frequency, plaque amount, and increased fluoride exposure compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences in most caries risk factors, except salivary flow rate, Streptococcus mutans count, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores, and buffering capacity.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of parent-oriented mHealth education in reducing caries risk among preschoolers when compared to conventional OHE.

Clinical significance: This study provides evidence that supports the creation of digital strategies for early childhood caries prevention programs. These strategies empower individuals to take charge of their dental care, particularly laypersons, enhancing self-management.

Ctri number: CTRI/2023/03/050519.

How to cite this article: Varghese AS, Sankeshwari RM, Nagamoti MB, et al. Cariogram-based Comparison of Caries Risk Profile in Preschoolers Before and After Giving Parent-oriented Educational Mobile Messages: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(1):45-52.