title: Text2Floss: the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention to improve oral health behavior and knowledge.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Text messaging is useful for promoting numerous health-related behaviors. The Text2Floss Study examines the feasibility and utility of a 7-day text messaging intervention to improve oral health knowledge and behavior in mothers of young children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mothers were recruited from a private practice and a community clinic. Of 156 mothers enrolled, 129 randomized into text (n = 60) and control groups (n = 69) completed the trial. Participants in the text group 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 group mothers in knowledge and behaviors (P > 0.10). Post-intervention, text group mothers flossed more (P = 0.01), had higher total (P = 0.0006) and specific (P < 0.05) knowledge, and tried to improve their child's oral health behaviors (P = 0.03) and decrease their soda and sugary snacks (P = 0.05) more than control mothers. Text messages were accepted and perceived as useful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mothers receiving text messages improved their own oral health behaviors and knowledge as well as their behaviors regarding their children's oral health. Text messaging represents a viable method to improve oral health behaviors and knowledge. Its high acceptance may make it useful for preventing oral disease.
authors.affiliation: Global Oral Health Program, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Mesa, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Tony S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Hashemian
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kritz-Silverstein
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers; D009909:Oral Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D060145:Text Messaging
keywords: dental floss; dental health education; oral health; oral hygiene; text messaging