Pamphlet or a Lecture, which Method is more Effective in Educating Children about Proper Ways of Tooth Brushing? Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of educating proper tooth brushing techniques via lecture or pamphlet on the reduction of dental plaque score among 12-year-old schoolchildren from subset Karachi. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study was performed from September to December 2021 in three underprivileged Karachi schools. After ethical approval schools were selected based on convenience sampling. Subjects were selected by random sampling and were divided into groups A, B, and C. The children of groups A&B (lecture& pamphlet) were taught tooth brushing as per American dental association criteria. The Plaque score at baseline was recorded. Group A was educated using a lecture with a live demonstration of brushing using models and charts. Group B was given Pamphlets, that had both text and illustrations, containing pictures of brushing techniques. Group C had no intervention i.e. a control group. The dental plaque score was calculated using the Loe and Silness scale. The Plaque score was measured at baseline (0), after one month, and after three months. RESULT: At baseline mean, the mean plaque score was 1.381±0.636, at 1-monthfollow-up 1.161±0.562, and at 3 months follow-up 1.065±0.658. There was a significant decline in mean plaque score in group A(lecture) followed by Group B(Pamphlet) after three months of intervention. No difference was seen in the control group. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that health education programs promote oral hygiene among school-going children as a significant improvement in mean plaque score reported from baselines to 3 months follow-up. KEYWORDS: Toothbrushing Technique, Dental Plaque, Lecture, intervention, Pamphlet.