486 - Can Truthbrush-Tracking Device Improve Brushing Efficacy in Children with Autism?

Saturday, May 27, 2023

1:40 PM – 1:55 PM

Location: Exhibit Hall

Has Audio

Presenting Author(s)

Shivali S. Patel, DMD

Resident
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine/CHOP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Program Director(s)

EH

Evlambia Hajishengallis, DDS, MSc, PhD, DMD

Division Chief of Pediatric Dentistry and Director of the Postdoctoral Pediatric Program at Penn Den
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Fifty-nine % of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) versus 14.8% of children without ASD have poor oral hygiene. This can account, at least partly, for the increased numbers of decayed, missing or filled teeth of children with ASD compared to healthy patients. Purpose: The aim of this study is to create a greater awareness in patients with ASD and their caregivers of their brushing habits and techniques, through the analytics provided by the Truthbrush. Specifically, this pilot project will evaluate if Truthbrush is effective in increasing brushing frequency, duration, coverage, and efficiency in the pediatric ASD patient population.

Methods: Participants, children with ASD or their caregivers, will be given Truthbrush tracking devices, which they will attach to the child’s manual toothbrush at home, for four weeks. For the first two weeks (Stage 1), participants will utilize the Truthbrush device without viewing the application analytics. During the last two weeks (Stage 2), participants will receive feedback on brushing habits from the device application and adjust brushing technique accordingly. Data from the two conditions will be compared to determine effects of Truthbrush device on brushing habits of children with ASD.

Results: Pending IRB approval and data collection.