Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of traditional and social media motivation strategies in improving oral hygiene with fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled clinical trial, 44 orthodontic patients were equally allocated to a social media (Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter)) and control group. The control group received only traditional communication including verbal and written instructions at the beginning of the therapy. The patients assigned to social media group received two posts twice a week reminding hygiene procedures in addition to standardized oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal scores were obtained at 4-6-week intervals during six appointments (T1-T6) using the Gingival index (GI), Bleeding index (BI), and planimetric Plaque Index (PI) on photographs. Student's t-test and the repeated measures test were used for intergroup comparisons and evaluation of repeated measurements (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Between T1 and T6, the Gingival Index (GI) scores and Bleeding Index (BI) scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the social media group (GI: T1-T6: 0.19 ± 0.26, BI: T1-T6: 0.04 ± 0.27,) compared to the non-motivated group (GI: T1-T6: 1.32 ± 0.37, BI: T1-T6: 0.51 ± 0.27, p = 0.001). A significantly greater reduction in planimetric Plaque Index (PI) values was observed in the experimental group (T1-T6: 0.48 ± 0.34) compared to the control group (PI: T1-T6: 1.29 ± 0.38, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Social media-based reminders appear to be a promising adjunct in improving oral hygiene compliance during fixed orthodontic treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; Registration Number: NCT06886984; Registered retrospectively on 14 March 2025.