Research on the Effects of Internet Technology and Mobile Phone WeChat Applet Management Mode on Oral Health Behavior Intervention in Patients With Periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of a management model using Internet technology and the WeChat applet on the oral health behavior of patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Medical records of 80 patients with periodontitis, diagnosed during June 2020 to December 2022 in our hospital, were retrospectively grouped according to intervention modes. In the control group, conventional management was used, whereas in the observation group, Internet technology combined with the WeChat applet management was used. Oral health self-efficacy, oral health behavior, relevant knowledge mastery, oral health-related quality of life, and improvement in periodontal symptoms were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

After the intervention, patients in the observation group exhibited significantly higher scores in a balanced diet, correct brushing, and dental visits than the control group (P<0.05). These patients also displayed significantly better scores in various indexes of oral hygiene behaviors, disease-related knowledge, and quality of life dimensions than the control group (P<0.05). In addition, they had statistically significantly lower scores in plaque index, gingival index, and depth of tooth probing than the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Internet technology and mobile WeChat applet management can assist patients with periodontitis develop good oral health behaviors, improve their periodontal symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. This approach should be promoted and applied in clinical practice.