Association between mobile smartphone addiction on hand grip strength and its impact on oral hygiene- a cross sectional study

In the past decade there has been arapid increase in the use of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, forcommunication and internet browsing. A recent study shows that 79% of thepopulation between the age 18-44 years have their cell phones with them almostall the time, with only 2 hours of their walking day spend without their cellin hand. Extensive use of smartphones can be associated with physicalhealth–related problems, such as pain in the wrists and neck, and it alsoexposes hands to intense stresses that may lead to pain and musculoskeletaldisorders of the hand and thumb. Single-hand-held smartphone use compelsindividuals to engage in repetitive flexion/extension of the wrist and thumb.Continuous repetitive movements with the thumb have been identified as riskfactors which may lead to disorders of its musculature causing musculoskeletaldisorders (MSD) like tendinosis of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) andflexor pollicis longus tendon (FPL) and the joints of the thumb. To date,little is known about the possible adverse effects of mobile phone overuse onthe hand and thumbs. Case reports suggest a link between high keystroke countsand hand disorders, such as first carpometacarpal osteoarthritis and De Quervaintenosynovitis. Severity of this condition in the hands is correlated withimpaired functional ability. Hence, many people with MSD in their hands areunable to maintain proper oral hygiene, resulting in accumulation of plaque andcalculus, which increases the likelihood of dental caries and periodontaldisease. Few studies have been reported about this substantial increase in thenumber of smartphone users and its association with musculoskeletal discomfortbut not on its impact on oral cavity or oral hygiene maintenance. Hence, theaim of this present study is to assess the level of smart phone addiction andits association with hand grip strength and its impact on oral hygiene.