Brushing up on oral health: can messages through social media promote healthy oral health behaviours?

Abstract

A commentary on: Choonhawarakorn K, Kasemkhun P, Leelataweewud P. Effectiveness of a message service on child oral health practice via a social media application: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Paediatr Dent 2025; 35: 446-455.

Background: The early development of proper oral health behaviours is essential for mitigating the risk of early childhood caries. Interactive social media platforms offer a cost-effective means to support caregivers in this endeavour.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a LINE™ messaging service (MS) in promoting positive oral health behaviours among Thai children.

Design: A randomised controlled trial was conducted involving 190 caregiver-child dyads (children aged 6-36 months) recruited from a university dental hospital and two affiliated hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to receive age-appropriate dental health education either via the MS or through conventional in-person visits. The MS group received weekly educational materials, including infographic posters, video clips, and supportive messages. Parental oral health knowledge, along with children's oral health practices and status, were assessed at baseline and after six months.

Results: The MS group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in feeding habits (p = 0.034) and toothbrushing practices (p = 0.007) compared to the control group. While parental knowledge improved in both groups, the increase was significantly greater in the control group (p = 0.001). Both groups showed a reduction in debris scores; however, no significant difference was observed in caries progression. Caregivers reported high to very high satisfaction with both methods of education delivery.

Conclusions: The LINE™ messaging service was found to be as effective as traditional dental visits in fostering positive oral health behaviours among young children.