MOBILE HEALTH APPLICATIONS FOR ORAL HYGIENE PROMOTION AND DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
Objectives: To review the current evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) applications in promoting oral hygiene and preventing dental caries among adolescents and young adults, with particular attention to behavioral outcomes, clinical effectiveness, app quality, and implementation challenges. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using publications retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, supplemented by selected documents from the World Health Organization and the FDI World Dental Federation. Original studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, app quality assessments, and policy documents published between 2007 and 2026 were included. The evidence was synthesized using a qualitative thematic approach. Key Findings: Current evidence suggests that mHealth applications may improve oral health knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, toothbrushing behaviors, and short-term clinical outcomes, particularly plaque and gingival indices. The strongest evidence is available for orthodontic patients using fixed appliances. However, evidence supporting sustained reductions in dental caries remains limited. Studies also highlight considerable variability in the quality of commercially available applications, with many lacking evidence-based content or clinical validation. Additional challenges include data protection, regulatory requirements, digital equity, and integration into routine dental care. Conclusions: mHealth applications represent promising adjunctive tools for oral hygiene promotion among adolescents and young adults. Although they may enhance preventive behaviors and short-term oral health outcomes, they should complement rather than replace conventional preventive dentistry. Further high-quality longitudinal studies, rigorous clinical validation, and improved quality standards are needed to establish their long-term effectiveness and facilitate their safe implementation in dental practice.