Comparison of Two Brushing Methods- Fone’s vs Modified Bass Method in Visually Impaired Children Using the Audio Tactile Performance (ATP) Technique

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of two brushing techniques - Fone's method Vs Modified Bass method in visually impaired children using the Audio Tactile Performance (ATP) technique. Eighty institutionalised visually impaired children, aged between 4-15 y were randomly selected. Baseline plaque scores were recorded using Silness and Loe plaque index. The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups of which, 40 were trained with Fone's method and and other 40 with Modified Bass method using the ATP technique. Plaque scores were evaluated again after two months. The effectiveness of oral hygiene maintenance in these children were analysed and evaluated statistically. Data was analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t-test. Both Fone's and Modified Bass method showed reduction in plaque which was statistically significant. There was an increase in the frequency of tooth brushing following training. The Fone's method and the Modified Bass method of tooth brushing showed a significant improvement in the oral hygiene of visually impaired children when taught using an effective communication tool, the ATP technique.