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The effect of systematic chairside oral hygiene instruction on gingivitis and oral cleanliness in children
Author(s) -
Telford A. B.,
Murray J. J.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1974.tb00003.x
Subject(s) - medicine , toothbrush , gingivitis , toothpaste , dentistry , oral hygiene , dental prophylaxis , tooth brushing , dental plaque , hygiene , brush , pathology , electrical engineering , engineering
The gingival health and standard of oral hygiene of 54 children aged 9‐17 years was measured clinically and photographically. Each child was seen initially, then after 1 month and finally after 3 months. Forty‐two children (23 study, 19 control) were seen on all three occasions. At the first examination children in the study group were informed about dental plaque, which was then stained with disclosing solution. The extent of the plaque was shown to each child, who was then given a toothbrush and toothpaste and asked to “get the stain off”. Each child's performance was assessed and modifications to the individual's brushing techniques were suggested if the stain was still present. Finally a thorough prophylaxis was carried out. At subsequent appointments the teeth were stained, the importance of oral hygiene reemphasized and a prophylaxis performed. Children in the control group were given the same number of prophylactic treatments and also received a toothbrush and toothpaste, but in this group no dental health education was given and conversation was restricted to non‐dental topics. The results showed that a marked improvement was achieved in the gingival health and standard of oral hygiene of the study group which was still in force at the 3‐month examination. The children in the control group showed no change in either gingival health or standard of oral hygiene.