The effect of using intra-oral camera as an educational aid for oral health promotion in children.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using an intraoral camera (IOC) as an educational aid for promoting oral health among 7-10-year-old children in India. Materials and methods: A randomized trial was conducted involving 260 children from private schools. The intervention group (n = 130) received IOC-based oral health education, while the control group (n = 130) received verbal education. Both groups were assessed for knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards oral health, as well as the DMFT/deft index at baseline and after 12 months. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney test. Additionally, regression analysis was conducted to predict DMFT and deft scores using KAP scores as predictors. Results: A significant decrease (p<0.001) in the mean number of decayed teeth (dt + DT) was observed in both groups. However, the intervention group showed an increase in filled teeth (ft + FT) scores after 12 months. The experimental group also exhibited a significant increase in attitude scores (p<0.01) and practice scores (p<0.001). Despite these improvements, KAP scores did not predict the total caries experience, as no correlation was found between total caries experience (deft + DMFT) and KAP scores. Conclusion: The use of the IOC as an educational tool significantly improved children's oral health status, as well as their attitude and practice scores. However, since KAP scores did not predict changes in oral health, a more comprehensive approach is required for effective oral health promotion among children.