Evaluation of motivation methods used to obtain appropriate oral hygiene levels in schoolchildren

The aim of the present study is to assess the behaviour of different motivation methods on levels of oral hygiene among schoolchildren aged from 7 to 9 years in Araraquara, SP, Brazil. The methods tested were: indirect instruction using 'The Smiling Robot' (group I), indirect instruction through class presentation (group II) and direct instruction with macromodels (group III). A control group was also constituted, which received no kind of motivation (group IV). The O'Leary Plaque Index was used as the evaluation method, applied before the instruction and 30 days after application of the different methods. It was noted that the plaque index had not decreased in group IV only. In conclusion, all the motivation methods promoted significant decrease of plaque index and among these methods, the 'The Smiling Robot' was the one that provided the best results.     

Relationship between general hygiene behaviours and oral hygiene behaviours in Iranian adolescents

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between oral hygiene behaviours and general hygiene behaviours among Iranian adolescents living in Mashhad. A representative stratified random sample of 1,054 Iranian adolescents, in the sixth grade of school, answered a 37-item questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of toothbrushing behaviours, frequency of taking showers, and frequency of changing underwear, as measures of general hygiene behaviours. Binary logistic-regression analysis was employed to test the association between toothbrushing behaviours and general hygiene behaviours. The results showed that toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with the frequency of taking showers (odds ratio: 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.86, 3.09) and the frequency of changing underwear (odds ratio: 2.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.65, 2.78). These associations were significant for girls and boys when tested separately and remained significant after adjusting for gender and father's education level. Girls were significantly more likely than boys to practice oral hygiene and general hygiene behaviours. In conclusion, there was a positive association between general hygiene and oral hygiene behaviours among Iranian adolescents. This association has important applications for planning health and hygiene-promoting programmes.     

Determinants of oral hygiene behavior: a study based on the theory of planned behavior

Buunk‐Werkhoven YAB, Dijkstra A, van der Schans CP. Determinants of oral hygiene behavior: a study based on the theory of planned behavior. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011; 39: 250–259. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objective: The aim of this study was to develop an index for oral hygiene behavior (OHB) and to examine potential predictors of this actual behavior based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Measures of oral health knowledge (OHK) and the expected effect of having healthy teeth on social relationships were included too. Material and methods: Using an Internet questionnaire, 487 participants were asked about actual OHB, attitudes (ATT), social norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), OHK, and expected social outcomes (ESO). Based on a Delphi method involving oral health professionals, a new index for OHB was developed, including tooth brushing, interdental cleaning, and tongue cleaning. Results: Regression analysis revealed that the TPB variables (ATT, SN, and PBC) and OHK explained 32.3% of the variance in self‐reported OHB. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that socio‐psychological consequences play a role in oral health care.     

Longitudinal study of oral hygiene and dietary habits among immigrant children in Sweden

Families immigrating to Sweden from Finland and Southern Europe (Greece, Yugoslavia, and Turkey), as well as Swedish control families of the same social class, were interviewed twice on their children's oral hygiene and dietary habits and on the parents' knowledge of oral health. The first interview was made on the immigrants' arrival in Sweden and the second one 30 months later. The material comprised 35 Finnish, 23 South-European and 54 Swedish families. During the observation period more immigrant than control children had complained about toothache. The frequency of toothbrushing was lower among the immigrants than among the Swedes at both interviews. The frequency of sweets consumption was significantly higher among the immigrants. Fewer immigrant than Swedish children had been examined or treated by a dentist before the first interview. There was no difference between the immigrants and the controls in channels of information about oral hygiene, the schools and the dentists being (he foremost source of information for both groups. The Swedish parents had a more competent knowledge of oral hygiene than the parents of the immigrant children. It was concluded that Finnish and South-European immigrant children definitely have a great need of preventive dentistry.     

Improvement of oral hygiene habits: a psychological approach 2-year data

The present communication attempts to determine the effects of individual interviews, conducted by a psychologist, on unmotivated patients' oral hygiene habits. For this investigation, 26 subjects were selected according to the following main criteria: (a) patients with good motor skills (to make sure that poor hygiene was due to poor compliance and not to poor dexterity); (b) patients suffering from periodontitis of Cl II and Cl III of the Modified Nomenclature of the American Academy of Periodontology; (c) patients, who had never been taught toothbrushing techniques prior to attending 4 routine sessions on oral hygiene, and who in spite of understanding the pathogenic relation between plaque and disease, were unable to reach a plaque index score beneath the 50% level. The 26 selected patients were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. Subjects assigned to the 1st group were submitted to interviews with a psychologist, whereas those of the 2nd group were not (control group). Throughout the investigation period, the plaque indices were scored for both groups at 3-month intervals. Results revealed a decrease of plaque index scores in the interviewed group, from 68% to 49%. During the same period, the non-interviewed group exhibited virtually no change.     

Oral health counselling in changing schoolchildren's oral hygiene habits: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: This study explored oral health counselling concerning changes of oral hygiene habits in 11- to 13-year-old schoolchildren within a theoretical framework of the transtheoretical model and the motivational interview. METHODS: The follow-up data (2002-2003) formed two sequential parts: the first part comprised 66 counselling sessions in 2002; the second part included 31 counselling sessions in 2003. Thirty-one (n = 31) schoolchildren were included in the counselling sessions that were conducted by four dental hygienists. The audiotaped and transcribed data were analysed qualitatively by using content analysis. RESULTS: In 2002, nearly every schoolchild needed to establish changes in oral hygiene habits but the assessment of schoolchildren's readiness for change often remained unclear. In 2002, giving normative advice was the most commonly used counselling strategy when addressing the need for change, but dental hygienist-centred change discussion and goal setting were also apparent and were related to the schoolchildren's rarely manifested changes of oral hygiene habits after a follow-up year. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the theoretical framework might be useful in constructing and focusing on oral hygiene counselling for schoolchildren that concentrates on the personal dynamics of change. Further qualitative research is called for.     

Professional oral hygiene treatment and detailed oral hygiene instructions in patients affected by mucous membrane pemphigoid with specific gingival localization: a pilot study in 12 patients

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 10 , 2012; 138–141
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00527.x Arduino PG, Lopetuso E, Carcieri P, Giacometti S, Carbone M, Tanteri C, Broccoletti R. Professional oral hygiene treatment and detailed oral hygiene instructions in patients affected by mucous membrane pemphigoid with specific gingival localization: a pilot study in 12 patients. Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this prospective case series was to assess the clinical efficiency of an oral hygiene protocol in patients affected by mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) with specific gingival localization, before starting any medical treatment. Methods: Patients received oral hygiene instruction followed by non‐surgical periodontal therapy including oral hygiene instructions in a 3‐week cohort study. Clinical outcome variables were recorded at baseline and 5 weeks after intervention and included, as periodontal parameters, full mouth plaque (FMPS) and bleeding (FMBS) scores and patient‐related outcomes (visual analogue score of pain). Results: A total of 12 patients were recruited. The mean age at presentation was 59.5 ± 14.52 years. Five weeks after finishing the oral hygiene and periodontal therapy protocol, a statistical significant reduction was observed for FMPS (P = 0.001), FMBS (P = 0.022) and reported pain (P = 0.0028). Conclusions: Professional oral hygiene procedures and non‐surgical periodontal therapy are connected with improvement of gingival status and decrease in gingival‐related pain, in female patients affected by MMP with specific gingival localization.     

Effects of oral hygiene on periodontal tissues in a town in Yugoslavia

Abstract We examined 1316 pupils, average age 16.6 years, in a small town in Serbia. The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of the oral hygiene on the condition of the periodontal tissues and the frequency of gingivitis and periodontal disease and their severity in this age group. The presence and quantity of dental plaque were registered according to the Silness & Löe Plaque Index. The amount of dental calculus was determined according to the Greene & Vermillion method. The condition of periodontal tissues was evaluated by Ramfjord's method. It was found that only 5.3% of the examined pupils had a clinically healthy periodontium. Gingivitis was discovered in 60.6%, and periodontal disease (with periodontal pockets) in 34.1% of the examined pupils. The average PDI was 1.8. We revealed great quantities of soil and hard deposits on the teeth of examined pupils. The average Plaque Index was very high (1.9).     

Oral and written instruction of oral hygiene: a randomized trial

Background: This randomized, evaluator-masked, controlled study evaluates the effectiveness of oral in contrast to written instruction of oral hygiene. Methods: Eighty-three students without clinical signs of periodontitis were randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three experimental conditions: 1) written instruction, 2) standardized oral instruction, or 3) individualized oral instruction. Plaque and bleeding indices were assessed to analyze intervention effects on oral health and oral hygiene skills. Measurements took place at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention. Results: Groups differed significantly with respect to gingival bleeding and were tentatively significant with respect to oral hygiene skills. Participants who had received oral individualized instructions showed the best results. Conclusion: A gradient of effectiveness of the instruction methods was observed with most favorable results for the individualized instruction.     

Periodontal disease and oral hygiene in Arussi province, Ethiopia

A dental health survey was conducted in the Arussi province in Ethiopia. The survey comprised 1,700 persons between 6 and 54 years of age in five age groups from four regions of the province. Findings concerning periodontal disease and oral hygiene are reported in the present paper. The onset of periodontal disease was early, with 60% of the children in the 6-7 year group having gingivitis. In general, periodontal disease was found in a majority of the surveyed population (83%). Severe periodontal destruction was, however, unusual before the age of 30, but at the age of 45-54 years 52% of the sample exhibited pocket formation. The level of periodontal disease in Ethiopia was judged as low to moderate. A close relationship was observed between oral cleanliness and periodontal condition. A possible favorable influence of the diet and traditional oral cleaning methods is conceivable.     

Relationship between oral hygiene practices and oral status in dentate elderly people living in residential homes

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the oral hygiene practices of dentate elderly people living in residential homes, their requests for assistance and their oral health status. METHODS: 164 people (81.2+/-7.4 years) participated in an interview and oral examination, and provided a stimulated saliva sample. RESULTS: The mean number of coronal decayed surfaces (CDS) was 2.4+/-5.9, stimulated salivary levels (log(10)cfu/ml) of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were 1.6+/-2.1, 3.0+/-2.2, 2.1+/-1.7, respectively, and 53% had root decayed surfaces (RDS). Plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) Indices were 2.3+/-0.7 and 1.6+/-0.4 and denture debris scores (DDS) were high. 31% of the population cleaned their mouths twice daily without requesting help and they had significantly fewer yeasts, RDS, restorations on root surfaces, lower PI, GI (P<0.005) and DDS (P<0.0001) than the 69% who cleaned less often. 50% of those who cleaned less frequently requested assistance with oral hygiene but only 5% said that their carers supported them. Those residents who requested help had significantly higher levels of yeasts, lactobacilli (P<0.001), retained roots, DDS, RDS (P<0.005), PI and GI (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The elderly residents' perceived need for assistance with oral hygiene was related directly to oral hygiene status and to clinical indicators of mucosal and dental diseases.     

Multivariate analysis of oral hygiene data from a representative sample

BACKGROUND: This analysis was based on an oral health survey with dental examination and interview by questionnaire. METHOD: The data set comprised a representative random sample of the over 14-year-old residents of the German Federal State of Saxony (n=714), in which a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. The dependent variable was the debris index (DI) score of the oral hygiene index scoring system. The subjects were split into 2 groups by dividing DI scores into tertiles: those with acceptable oral hygiene (1st tertile, DI 0.00< or =1.20) and unacceptable oral hygiene (2nd and 3rd tertile, DI>1.20). The most important explanatory variable was the community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN). RESULTS: The higher the CPITN score, the lower the probability of acceptable oral hygiene. In relation to the reference category score 0, higher CPITN scores were associated with acceptable oral hygiene, with an odds ratio 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01-0.23) for CPITN score 1, and an odds ratio 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.08) for score 4. Further significant variables were: self-evaluation of tooth condition, gender, and the number of missing teeth.     

A correlation study of diet, oral hygiene and dental caries in 457 Canadian children

The interrelationship of diet, oral hygiene and caries was evaluated. Of the sample size of 457 children, 234 were in grade 1 and 223 grade 7. Five-day diet surveys were obtained, followed by clinical examinations for oral hygiene and caries. One examiner, using mouth mirror, explorer and extraoral light, conducted the caries examination. From the diet surveys, refined and total carbohydrate consumption was calculated per day; between meals, at meals, and totaled for the day. Five-day totals, which included one weekend, were recorded along with frequency of eating per day and for the 5-day periods. Computer analysis revealed no significant correlation between the diet variables and caries or oral hygiene indices and caries. The children with high caries indices did not have the poorest oral hygiene nor consume the most carbohydrates. Similarly, the children with low caries indices did not have the cleanest teeth nor consume lesser amounts of carbohydrates.     

Efficiency of traditional chewing sticks in oral hygiene programs among Ethiopian schoolchildren

The effect of oral hygiene programs was studied in 248 children from five schoolclasses in Asella, Ethiopia. All children received professional toothcleaning after an initial clinical examination, and were again examined after a trial period of 3 months. The classes were assigned to the following procedures: one class received information and instruction in the use of the toothbrush, and a second class in the use of the mefaka, a wooden chewing stick traditionally used for oral cleaning. The children were advised to clean their teeth daily. Two other classes received similar information and instruction with regard to the toothbrush and the mefaka. Oral cleaning was then performed daily under direction and supervision, in one class with the toothbrush and in the other class with the mefaka. The fifth class was used as control. Instruction only was found to have no effect on the amount of oral deposits. Supervised oral cleaning, on the other hand, improved the oral hygiene of the schoolchildren significantly. The mefaka was found to be as effective as the toothbrush in removing oral deposits. It was concluded that the mefaka should be recommended for use in preventive dental programs in Ethiopia since it is effective, inexpensive, and familiar to the population.