Can selfies improve oral health care skills?

Using smart phones propped on stands, study participants filmed their brushing at home. Researchers saw an increase in the accuracy of brush strokes, an increase in number of strokes and an overall eight per cent improvement in tooth brushing skill – but the length of time a person brushed did not change. 

While most people have the ability, motivation and desire to brush their teeth properly, they often do not because of improper techniques – and opportunities to improve such skills can be few.

“Often, tooth brushing is learned and practiced without proper supervision,” said Lance T. Vernon, a senior instructor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and co-author of the study. “Changing tooth brushing behaviors – which are ingrained habits tied to muscle memory – can take a lot of time and guidance.” 

“Our study suggests that, in the future, recording these selfies can help shift some of this time investment in improving brushing to technology,” added Vernon. “Patients can then receive feedback from dental professionals.”