The Science Behind BetterMouth

At BetterMouth we believe excellent oral health doesn’t have to mean expensive dental treatments. Optimal oral health can be a fun, easy and empowering journey—one backed by science. Our approach combines education, psychology, and technology to help you form consistent healthy oral care habits. Let’s dive into the science and evidence behind our methods.

Tiny Habits, Big Results

Research on habit formation shows small, manageable steps can become long term habits. Behavioral scientist B.J. Fogg’s work on persuasive design shows how tiny, timely prompts help users stick to healthy habits over time. By giving you quick reminders and bite sized oral care tasks BetterMouth helps you build lasting habits—one brush at a time.

Self Determination Theory says people thrive when they feel autonomous, competent and supported (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Our progress tracking, achievements and community features help you feel all three, so you’re more likely to stick to your new oral care habit.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Barrier

Mobile health (mHealth) solutions are changing the way we manage our well-being. Research shows digital reminders and educational messages improve oral hygiene behaviors (Jadhav et al., 2013). By using a device you already have in your hand—your smartphone—BetterMouth makes brushing, flossing and rinsing easier and more effective. In addition, studies show that apps can be personal coaches, guiding you towards better health behaviors (Patrick et al., 2008).

The Knowledge is Power

Education is the foundation of prevention. Oral health education improves dental literacy and encourages prevention (Kay & Vascott, 2016). By breaking down complex topics like gum disease and cavity prevention into simple videos and mini-quizzes BetterMouth makes learning fun and stress free. Armed with knowledge, you’ll make better informed decisions for your oral and overall health.

Turn Care into a Game

Gamification elements—like challenges, streaks and rewards—make healthy behaviors more enjoyable and sustainable (Johnson et al., 2016; Edwards et al., 2016). BetterMouth applies these principles to oral care. You’re not just ticking a box—you’re levelling up. Whether you’re going for a perfect streak or raising your MouthScore™ these motivational techniques make brushing something to look forward to.

Community Support

Health improvement is not just an individual effort. Social support plays a big role in sustaining behavior change (Stokols, 1996). By connecting you with a global community of people focused on better oral health, BetterMouth uses collective motivation. Leaderboards, shared challenges, and peer support help you stay committed.

Dental Hygiene is Good for Overall Health

Research is showing more and more that oral health is linked to overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene isn’t just bad for your teeth and gums—it can contribute to a range of systemic health issues from cardiovascular disease to diabetes (Genco & Borgnakke, 2013). By helping you stick to your oral care routine, BetterMouth isn’t just improving your smile—it’s also supporting your whole body’s health. Addressing oral health proactively can lead to better outcomes, lower medical costs and a better quality of life. We focus on addressing bad breath, improving gum health, preventing tooth decay, and enhancing overall wellness through a personalized program.

Creating a Healthier Future

• Tiny habits and intrinsic motivation: Small steps and a supportive environment.
• Educational tools and prevention strategies: Knowledge to make informed decisions and prevent problems.
• Timely reminders and mHealth: Guidance when you need it most.
• Gamification and rewards: Fun and engagement.
• Community and social support: Shared experiences and friendly competition.
• Overall health: Not just your smile—good oral hygiene can improve your whole body.

At BetterMouth we’re using research, behavior change strategies, and educational methods that work to help you build habits that last. Our goal is simple: Better mouth, better oral health—made easy, one evidence-based step at a time, for a healthier body.

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Below are links to the scientific literature referenced above:

1. Tiny Habits Method by B.J. Fogg
   Fogg, B. J. (2019). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
2. Self-Determination Theory by Deci & Ryan (2000)
   Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
3. Mobile Health (mHealth) Solutions
   Jadhav, H. C., Dodamani, A. S., Karibasappa, G. N., Naik, R. G., Khairnar, M. R., & Deshmukh, M. A. (2016). Effect of reinforcement of oral health education message through short messaging service in mobile phones: A quasi-experimental trial. International Dental Journal, 66(3), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12216
4. Oral Health Education
   Kay, E., & Vascott, D. (2016). A review of approaches for dental practice teams for promoting oral health. British Dental Journal, 220(10), 567–572. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26892435/
5. Gamification in Health Behaviors
   Johnson, D., Deterding, S., Kuhn, K. A., Staneva, A., Stoyanov, S., & Hides, L. (2016). Gamification for health and wellbeing: A systematic review of the literature. Internet Interventions, 6, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2016.10.002
   Edwards, E. A., Lumsden, J., Rivas, C., Steed, L., Edwards, L. A., Thiyagarajan, A., & Munafò, M. R. (2016). Gamification for health promotion: Systematic review of behaviour change techniques in smartphone apps. BMJ Open, 6(10), e012447. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012447
6. Social Support in Health Improvement
   Stokols, D. (1996). Translating social ecological theory into guidelines for community health promotion. American Journal of Health Promotion, 10(4), 282–298. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-10.4.282
7. Link Between Oral and Overall Health
   Genco, R. J., & Borgnakke, W. S. (2013). Risk factors for periodontal disease. Periodontology 2000, 62(1), 59–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12002