Text messages encourage healthy oral habits among teens

Researchers from the University of Leeds, in collaboration with the Universities of Sheffield, Cardiff, York and Dundee, investigated the effectiveness of a programme designed to encourage better brushing habits and reduce tooth decay in secondary school pupils.

Tooth decay is very common, affecting a third of young people aged 12 to 15. This increases to nearly half of teenagers living in areas of poverty. Young people with tooth decay often suffer from toothache, loss of sleep and problems eating. Also, it can affect their overall physical health and mental wellbeing and can lead to increased school absences.

The study

The Bright trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and published in the Journal of Health Technology Assessment, included a classroom lesson and twice-daily text messages about toothbrushing. The research involved 4,680 students from 42 secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Their teeth were checked at the start of the study, and after two and a half years. Pupils were surveyed after six months about their toothbrushing habits.