Systematic toothbrushing and oral hygiene status : Schrödinger's cat?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this community health project was to determine if systematic toothbrushing is significantly associated with oral hygiene. Methods: A clinical intervention study was undertaken. Volunteer students (89) reported on their oral hygiene behaviour, and their oral hygiene behaviour was recorded by videos. Pre and post toothbrushing oral hygiene status was assessed by the Navy Index (NI). Oral hygiene behaviour (systematic toothbrushing) was assessed through video analyses [Mangold ® INTERACT] blind of clinical oral hygiene assessments. Associations between systematic toothbrushing and oral hygiene status were determined by bivariant and regression analyses. Results: Reported oral hygiene behaviour was generally favourable (97.7% ≥ twice a day, 46.5% duration ≥ 2 mins, 66.3% use of additional oral hygiene aids, 91.9% morning and night). Pre-brushing oral hygiene status was generally unfavourable (Mean NI: 88.2%, s.d. 12.3;. Observed oral hygiene behaviour was generally favourable (Mean TSI scores 1.4, s.d. 0.2; Mean duration 142.9 seconds; Mean alteration frequency 31.3, s.d. 12.3). There were significant changes in post brushing oral hygiene status (NI: 55.2%, p<0.001). Bivariant analysis identified significant associations between systematics toothbrushing attributes (TSI, mean change in NI: p<0.05; I-value, mean change in NI: p<0.05; Duration, mean change in NI: p<0.05). Significant association between toothbrushing attributes and changes in oral hygiene status remains evident after accounting of sociodemographic factors and reported oral hygiene behaviour. (Beta: 76.5, SE: 33.8, p-value <0.05) Conclusion: Systematic toothbrushing was significantly associated with improvements in oral hygiene. This has considerable implications to inform oral hygiene instructions in oral health promotion activities and in clinical practice.