Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Instructions Given in Computer-Assisted Format versus a Self-Care Instructor

Abstract

Background: This randomized, single-blinded, controlled study compares the effectiveness of two modes of delivering the same set of oral hygiene instructions: those loaded on a computer-assisted teaching format versus those given personally by a self-care instructor. Methods: 60 participants with mild to moderate periodontitis were randomized to either the computer-teaching format or the self-care instructor. Plaque score and bleeding indices were assessed at baseline and at 4 week re-evaluation to compare the instructional modalities. Results: At baseline, there was no difference in the parameters between the two groups. At re-evaluation, all parameters were significantly improved compared to baseline; however, there was no difference between any parameters in the computer group versus the instructor. Plaque score was significantly different between younger and older participants, such that participants under 50 years old had lower plaque scores when they received instructions using the computer format (72.5 ± 12.6 vs. 87.2 ± 10.4; p < 0.001). Additionally, in those under-50 year olds, plaque scores were significantly better in the group using the computer format (87.2 ± 10.4 vs. 78.3 ± 15.6; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Computer teaching formats and self-care instructors are both effective means of communicating oral hygiene instructions. Computer-assisted instruction format effectiveness may amplify as the population ages. Applications of computer formats teaching oral hygiene instructions and cost effectiveness comparison studies warrant significant future investigation.

Gingival health and oral hygiene practices among high school children in Saudi Arabia

“…42 Therefore, studies on oral hygiene techniques indicate that appropriate techniques in use for a long time (modified Bass technique, modified Stillmann technique, Charter technique) are significant in the prevention of periodontal diseases. 43 Our study indicated that almost all students who brush their tongue brush their teeth. However, only 40% of students who brush their teeth brush their tongue.…”

A study on the prevalence of dental anxiety, pain perception, and their interrelationship in Chinese patients with oral implant surgery

“…Accumulating evidence has revealed that DA is associated with pain perception and patient satisfaction related to dental procedures . Different surgical procedures may cause anxiety for different reasons . Patients may not be able to cooperate with dentists when they experience anxiety during dental treatment, which may increase the amount of time needed and the level of difficulty in performing procedures, thereby causing unsatisfactory treatment results …”

“…1 Approximately two in three patients undergoing dental implant surgeries experience moderate or high preoperative DA. 2 Accumulating evidence has revealed that DA is associated with pain perception and patient satisfaction related to dental procedures. [3][4][5][6] Different surgical procedures may cause anxiety for different reasons.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] Different surgical procedures may cause anxiety for different reasons. 2 Patients may not be able to cooperate with dentists when they experience anxiety during dental treatment, which may increase the amount of time needed and the level of difficulty in performing procedures, thereby causing unsatisfactory treatment results. 7 Anxious people tend to overestimate the intensity of aversive events such as fear and pain.…”

“…Dental anxiety (DA) is a frequent and widespread phenomenon . Approximately two in three patients undergoing dental implant surgeries experience moderate or high preoperative DA . Accumulating evidence has revealed that DA is associated with pain perception and patient satisfaction related to dental procedures .…”