2023 Volume 73 Issue 3 Pages 205-213
It has recently been reported that oral health behaviors such as toothbrushing habits are associated with lifestyle-related diseases. In this study, we created 24 3-minute YouTube videos related to oral health and lifestyle habits, and investigated the effects of watching videos while brushing teeth before going to bed, in principle, on changes in health behavior. Twenty-one university faculty members participated in this study. They watched one video a day while brushing their teeth before going to bed. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the time of the initial examination (before watching videos), after watching videos, and at approximately 6 months after the initial examination, to investigate changes in awareness and health behavior before and after watching the videos. The results revealed that approximately 70% of participants become more interested in their own teeth and mouth, and more than 60% of participants increased their knowledge and developed improved values in relation to oral health. A comparison of the results of the initial and 6-month questionnaires revealed a significant difference: the proportion of those who reported regular dental visits increased (from 33.3 to 57.1%). Four of the five subjects who did not use any interdental cleaning device at the baseline reported occasional use after 6 months. Our findings suggest that watching YouTube videos linked to daily toothbrushing habits may lead to changes in awareness and oral health behaviors. This measure could be effective as a tool to encourage busy working adults to place a higher priority on dental visits.
