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An exploratory study into whether self‐monitoring improves adherence to daily flossing among dental patients
Author(s) -
Suresh Ruby,
Jones Katharine C.,
Newton Jonathan Timothy,
Asimakopoulou Koula
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2011.00274.x
Subject(s) - medicine , bleeding on probing , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , dental plaque , periodontal disease , dentistry , nursing
Objectives: This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an action‐control behavioral intervention on adherence to dental flossing in patients with periodontal disease. Action control, that is, monitoring one's behavior and evaluating it against a self‐set standard, has been suggested as a self‐regulatory strategy that can assist people who intend to engage in behavioral change. Methods: In a single‐center, single‐blind prospective trial, 73 dental patients received a behavioral intervention, which was either matched or mismatched to their stage of behavioral change. Through responses to a standardized self‐report measure, participants were classified either as motivational (i.e., not ready to change) or volitional (i.e., contemplating change) with regard to dental flossing. The intervention consisted of a simple self‐monitoring tool for dental flossing in the form of a diary. Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores were measured before and at 4 weeks postintervention. Results: Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores improved ( P < 0.001) in both stage‐matched and stage‐mismatched patients. Conclusions: A brief behavioral intervention enhances adherence to dental flossing, regardless of participants' stage of change. Keeping a flossing diary can increase dental flossing and reduce plaque and bleeding scores in patients with periodontal disease, in the short term.