Apps for oral self-care: a systematic assessment of their quality

Abstract

Objective: ‘Apps’ have been enthusiastically adopted by the general public. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of currently available iPhone Apps, and to assess the degree to which current apps for toothbrushing offer appropriate quality to support oral self-care. Method: A search for iPhone Apps was conducted using keywords (13) for oral self-care. Descriptions of Apps were reviewed to identify ‘potentially effective’ Apps, which were then downloaded and reviewed (47). Ultimately 45 Apps were considered as ‘effective’ for this review. A standardized approach to assess (A) comprehensiveness of oral-self care information based on the scientific basis of oral health education for toothbrushing (6-items) and (B) technological assessment of the Apps (9-items) was employed.

Result: Initial screening identified 187 Apps, 46 were identified as ‘potentially effective’ Apps, and finally 45 Apps were considered as ‘effective’ and subsequently reviewed. No App provided comprehensive information in line with best practice for toothbrushing. Frequency of toothbrushing was not indicated by 60.0% (27); recommended time for toothbrushing was not indicated by 40.0% (18); type of toothbrush was not indicated by 71.1% (32); approximately half (51.1%, 23) did not indicate a toothbrushing technique; how to assess effectiveness of toothbrushing was not indicated by 66.7% (30); but most offered some level of interaction (71.1%, 32). Technological assessments of Apps indicated that they were generally poor. Of note most failed to disclose funding (84.4%, 38) or upheld confidentiality requirements (97.8%, 44), and approximately half (48.9%, 22) did not disclose the purpose of the App.

Conclusion: A plethora of Apps for oral self- care exists for iPhone. The quality of the Apps to support oral self-care is generally low with many failing to provide information in line with best practices. In addition, technological problems are abundant.