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Toothbrushing barriers for people with developmental disabilities: a pilot study
Author(s) -
Shin Christina J.,
Saeed Sophia
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/scd.12024
Subject(s) - medicine , tooth brushing , oral hygiene , dentistry , toothpaste , likert scale , dental plaque , brush , toothbrush , orthodontics , psychology , developmental psychology , electrical engineering , engineering
Purpose The aims of this study were: (1) to determine which step in tooth brushing is most difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities and (2) to determine if oral hygiene instruction improves technique. Material and methods Once per week for 6 weeks, disclosing solution was applied to the teeth of 14 subjects who were observed individually in their tooth brushing technique. Fourteen distinct steps were measured on a 4‐point Likert scale. Plaque score was measured after brushing. Results The step causing greatest difficulty was “able to brush off residual, identified plaque.” Steps that showed greatest improvement were “open toothpaste” and “place toothpaste on brush.” The change in plaque score from the initial visit to the final visit was not statistically significant. Conclusion Oral hygiene instruction in a group and individual setting increased compliance in the initial steps of tooth brushing.