Text2Floss: A randomized clinical trial of an innovative option to improve oral health behavior

Objective: Text messaging is useful for promoting numerous health-related behaviors. The Text2Floss Study examines whether a 7-day text messaging intervention improves oral health knowledge and behavior in mothers of young children. Methods: Mothers were recruited from a private practice and community clinic. Of 156 mothers enrolled, 129 randomized into TEXT (N=60) or Control groups (N=69) completed the trial. TEXT participants received text messages for 7-days asking about flossing and presenting oral health information. Oral health behaviors and knowledge were surveyed pre- and post-intervention. Results: At baseline, there were no differences between TEXT and Control mothers on knowledge and behaviors (p's>0.10). Post-intervention, TEXT mothers flossed more (p=0.01), had higher total (p=0.0006) and specific (p's<0.05) knowledge, tried to improve their child's oral health behaviors (p=0.03) and decreased their child's soda and sugary snacks (p=0.05) than Control mothers. Text messages were accepted and perceived as useful. Conclusions: Mothers who received text messages improved their own oral health behaviors and knowledge as well as their behaviors regarding their child's oral health. Text messaging represents a viable method to improve oral health behaviors and knowledge. The high acceptance of text messaging may make it useful in the prevention of oral disease. Longer studies in diverse populations are needed.