Evaluation of various feedback mechanisms in relation to compliance by adult patients with oral home care instructions

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Abstract
The effect on oral hygiene and gingival health of plaque scoring and the performance of a toothbrushing test at each visit during initial periodontal treatment were examined. A total of 63 adult periodontal patients (22-67 yr of age) was allocated to 4 matched groups. Brushing test group (B), open scoring group (O), minimal feedback group (M) and control group (C). The oral hygiene instruction for groups B, O and M was provided by handing out a self-educational manual on oral home care, while the patients of control group (C) received a short brochure describing the Bass brushing technique and the use of toothpicks. Feedback on the improvement of oral hygiene performance was delivered to groups B and O by scoring of plaque and gingival bleeding by probing, while this feedback was avoided in the 2 other groups (M,C). The patients of group B performed a toothbrushing test at each of 3 visits. After 3 mo. the plaque scores of groups B (27%) and O (22%) had improved more than those of the 2 other groups (35%). However, the improvement in gingival bleeding scores was similar in all 4 groups (from 55% initially to 17% at 3 mo.). At later examinations only minor differences in plaque and gingival bleeding scores were recorded between the various groups. Irrespective of the mode of instruction a considerable improvement occurs, and this improvement is not related to open scoring of plaque or the toothbrushing test.

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