Impact Of Oral Health Education Research Articles

Effectiveness of Reinforced Oral Health Education on the Oral Hygiene Status of 9–12-year-old Primary Schoolchildren: A Follow-up Study

Abstract Background: In the society, school is a significant formal unit where implementation of health programs can help in improving children’s educational and health status. The impact of repeated reinforcement of oral health education on schoolchildren can provide substantial evidence for policymaker. Thus, a follow-up study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of reinforced oral health education on the oral hygiene status of primary schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: The present follow-up study was conducted among primary schoolchildren in Mangalore, Karnataka, India for a duration of 8 months from January 2015 to August 2015. Multistage sampling method was used. The primary investigator collected data using an Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Impact of oral health education repeated reinforcement on retention of proper behavior among schoolchildren toward oral health and oral hygiene practices. Friedman test for comparison among different time interval. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intragroup comparison. Results: Nearly 83.3% of study subjects were using toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth. About 88.1% of study subjects had never visited a dentist ever. A statistically significant difference was observed at three different time intervals for debris, calculus, and OHI-S score (P < 0.05). Discussion: On intragroup comparison between three time intervals, study results reported a significant improvement in oral hygiene at 4 months and 8 months (P < 0.01). It shows that reinforcement of oral health education at regular time intervals had a significant positive impact on oral hygiene status.

The Impact of an Oral Hygiene Education Module on Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: In patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) are often elevated. Increases in these inflammatory biomarkers have been linked to periodontal diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of oral health education on inflammatory markers in patients with SLE. Methods: In this field trial study, 40 SLE patients with no dental plaque were assigned to the intervention and control groups by block randomization design. The intervention group was educated in a 20-minute session based on Bass’s method of tooth brushing. Before and 3 months after the intervention, the dental plaque, CRP, ESR, and double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) levels were determined in the two groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS software using independent t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and univariate covariance analysis at 0.05 significance level. Results: In terms of basic variables, there was no significant difference between the two groups. O’Leary’s plaque index in the intervention group showed a significant decrease over time, but no significant reduction was observed in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The results of covariance analysis and controlling for the effect on patients' performance showed that the health education intervention had a significant impact on ESR (effect size = 9.6%). However, the intervention had a slight effect on CRP, dsDNA, and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLE-DAI). Moreover, CRP, ESR, and dsDNA showed a significant decrease in both groups after the intervention; however, the difference was not significant. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it is recommended to implement educational programs in the field of oral and dental hygiene and the correct way of brushing teeth for patients with SLE.

Impact of the Visual Performance Reinforcement Technique on Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices, Gingival Health, and Plaque Control in Hearing- and Speech-Impaired Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of oral health education (OHE), incorporating a novel pre-validated visual performance reinforcement (VPR) technique and sign language, on gingival health, plaque control, and oral hygiene knowledge and practices in 12 to 15-year-old hearing- and speech-impaired adolescents. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a government school for deaf children in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. A total of 80 adolescents, aged 12-15 years, were randomly assigned, using a computer-generated table of random numbers, into two groups: Group A receiving the VPR technique (n = 40), and Group B receiving sign language (n = 40). A specially designed pre-validated closed-ended questionnaire was administered to both groups, followed by clinical examination to obtain the gingival and plaque index, before intervention and at a 16-week follow-up period. Group A showed a significant increase in the knowledge gained when compared to Group B. Similarly, a significant improvement in oral hygiene practices was also observed in Group A. However, at the 16-week follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in gingival and plaque scores between the groups. OHE using the VPR technique can be as effective and satisfactory as sign language in the reduction of gingival and plaque scores and in the improvement of knowledge and its application in oral hygiene maintenance among hearing- and speech-impaired adolescents.

The impact of oral health education on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oral health education is an effective measure to prevent oral mucositis (OM) by improving self-management and effectively engaging patients in their health care. This systematic review aimed to determine the impact of oral health education interventions on the incidence and severity of OM. Bibliographical searches were carried out by two independent examiners in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, and SIGLE, until June 2022. The eligibility criteria were based on the PICO strategy, considering studies with pediatric oncology patients, aged 0 to 19years, who had attended oral health education activities and had been examined for the incidence and/or severity of OM. Data were extracted for qualitative synthesis and organized in spreadsheets. The quality assessment of the selected studies was performed using the ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analysis was based on the group frequencies of OM ulcerative lesions, adopting a significance level of 5%. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to define the certainty of the evidence. The primary search retrieved 1827 articles. After removing duplicate records and screening titles and abstracts for eligibility, a total of 21 articles were selected for full-text analysis. Of these, seven eligible studies were included for data extraction and qualitative synthesis, while four studies were selected for quantitative synthesis. All studies had a longitudinal design; three performed a before-after comparison and four were controlled studies. OM was assessed by the following scales: OAG, WHO, ChIMES, and WCCNR. While data analysis of the selected studies was heterogeneous, the implementation of oral health education strategies was found to reduce the incidence and severity of OM during the follow-up period. The meta-analysis showed a favorable outcome for the educational intervention. The likelihood of patients attending oral health education activities to manifest OM ulcerative lesions was significantly lower (P = 0.002) than that of the control. The GRADE analysis presented a low certainty of the evidence. To conclude, oral health education interventions improved OM outcomes in pediatric oncology patients with a low quality of evidence.

Impact of oral health education regarding an e-leaflet on children - brushing and diet guide for children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: COVID -19 led to closure of many dental services, reducing the help and support for children and families. During COVID-19, many of the emergency calls received were regarding children with caries, which lead to pain and infection. We are concerned that decay rates for children may increase during the pandemic, whilst children are at home and access to dentistry is limited.Aim: Our aim was to try target children with high caries risk by educating children and families in the form of an E-leaflet. The use of IT and technology has increased during the pandemic. Children are also familiar with E-learning.Methods: Information gathering – assessing current information within the trust. Leaflet design alongside an illustrator, to ensure child-friendly. We used an online to obtain feedback. The leaflet was sent electronically.Result: Positive feedback was gained, relating to its child friendly layout and easy-to-read format.Conclusions: The E-leaflet has been a successful, cost effective and eco-friendly method of information sharing, in a time where face-to face appointments were not possible.

Integrated school-based child oral health education- An intervention with an impact

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the health awareness campaigns and an intervention on overall oral hygiene of students. Materials and methods: A cohort study (prospective) has been conducted over a period of 1 year from September 2018- September 2019, a total of 340 students age between 6 to 12 years participated in the study. A self-administrated Questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habits and practices was designed and filled by the students. Same questionnaire was filled from the same students again after one year and the impact of oral health education was accessed. Results: Following the intervention, significant differences were found in the dental health. Time taken for brushing was improved. Majority of the participants who changed their toothbrush after more than a year, now changed their toothbrushes after every 6 months. Frequency of visiting the dentist for routine checkups also increased. Conclusion: Short term oral health education program and health awareness campaigns have potential merits in bettering the oral hygiene conditions and promoting health among the children. Coordinating efforts should be enhanced between school personnel, parents and health professionals to ensure long term benefits

The impact of oral health education taken by personal support workers caring for a geriatric population in a long‐term care facility: A mixed‐methods study

To evaluate the impact of an online oral health education module on personal support workers' (PSW) knowledge and beliefs in their care for long-term care (LTC) residents in one Canadian LTC residence. LTC residents are dependent on PSWs for their oral health needs. However, PSWs receive minimal to no oral health education placing residents at risk for poor oral health. A mixed-methods convergent design comprising a before-and-after questionnaire (N=88), focus groups (N=23) and interviews (N=4) exploring module learning. Analysis of each data set was followed by their amalgamation and comparison. The online module had limited impact on the PSWs' knowledge and beliefs regarding resident oral health care. The quantitative results demonstrated knowledge improvements in two domains and changes in two belief domains. However, the qualitative results demonstrated new knowledge was not developed or sustained in practice. Themes that emerged include the following: lack of module recall, unmet learning needs and methods for oral care delivery, and timing of oral care in a busy clinical environment. Online oral health education alone has limited impact on PSWs' knowledge and beliefs. Research evaluating multifaceted education interventions including hands-on training with a dental expert is warranted.

Effectiveness of Oral Health Education on knowledge and practice among 15 year old children of Government High Schools in Lucknow city (Uttar Pradesh).

Background: Oral health education, as a part of oral health promotion, has been considered as essential and basic part of dental health services.School provides a perfect setting for health education programmes aiming to control the growing burden of oral diseases and to promote oral health. Aim: To determine the impact of oral health education on oral health knowledge and practice among 15 year old school going children of government high schools in Lucknow city. Design: The schools were selected by simple random sampling method following the lottery method of selection. These classes have children of 15 years of age. Each class has two to three sections, and these sections were chosen for the purpose of data collection. Children were selected by simple random sampling technique. Results: The oral health knowledge and awareness of all children improved significantly after the education. Statistically significant increase in the proportion of correct responses was noted following the programme especially in relation to Q2, Q6, Q7, Q9 and Q10. Conclusion: The information, which children receive and the awareness that is created during the programme in school, contributes to the first tentative steps to forming their attitudes and beliefs, which may later lead to healthier choices.
 

Short Term Impact of Oral Health Education on Oral Health Knowledge and Plaque Levels among 11-12 Year Old School Going Children in Eldoret Municipality- Kenya: Cluster Randomized Interventional Study

This was a cluster randomized controlled intervention study. Thirty four schools in the study area were randomly allocated to control or interventional clusters. Data on OHK was collected at the start and the end of the study period using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Similarly dental Plaque levels were scored at the start and end of the study period using the Green and Vermillion plaque index. After the collection of baseline data all the students were supplied with toothbrushes and toothpaste. The intervention group was then taken through four sessions of OHE before the final collection of data.

Impact of oral health education on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among 13–15 years' school-going children from Kanpur city, India: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Oral health is fundamental to general health and well-being. Schools may serve as the best platform for the promotion of oral health. Thus, it is essential to promote oral health in schoolchildren as they are the future of our nation. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of oral health education (OHE) on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of 13–15-year-old schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a total of 876 schoolchildren aged 13–15 years of age. They were assessed for their oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice at the start of the study using a specially designed questionnaire. OHE was imparted to the children at baseline, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. All the children were later reassessed for their oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice using the same specially designed questionnaire after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi-square test was used for comparing the categorical data. Results: The schoolchildren in the study group showed higher levels of knowledge, attitude, and oral hygiene practices after OHE at the end of 6 months. Before and after the intervention, the scores were found to be statistically significant (P

Impact of oral health education by audio aids, braille and tactile models on the oral health status of visually impaired children of Bhopal City.

Children with special needs face unique challenges in day-to-day practice. They are dependent on their close ones for everything. To improve oral hygiene in such visually impaired children, undue training and education are required. Braille is an important language for reading and writing for the visually impaired. It helps them understand and visualize the world via touch. Audio aids are being used to impart health education to the visually impaired. Tactile models help them perceive things which they cannot visualize and hence are an important learning tool. This study aimed to assess the improvement in oral hygiene by audio aids and Braille and tactile models in visually impaired children aged 6-16 years of Bhopal city. This was a prospective study. Sixty visually impaired children aged 6-16 years were selected and randomly divided into three groups (20 children each). Group A: audio aids + Braille, Group B: audio aids + tactile models, and Group C: audio aids + Braille + tactile models. Instructions were given for maintaining good oral hygiene and brushing techniques were explained to all children. After 3 months' time, the oral hygiene status was recorded and compared using plaque and gingival index. ANNOVA test was used. The present study showed a decrease in the mean plaque and gingival scores at all time intervals in individual group as compared to that of the baseline that was statistically significant. The study depicts that the combination of audio aids, Braille and tactile models is an effective way to provide oral health education and improve oral health status of visually impaired children.

Evaluation of the Impact of Oral Health Education on Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Plaque Control of School-going Children in the City of Amritsar.

Aims and Objectives:The present study aims to evaluate the impact of oral health education on oral hygiene knowledge and plaque control of school-going children in the city of Amritsar.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out for 6 weeks and included four groups of schoolchildren of 10–12 years of age. Children were randomly selected and assigned into one of the four groups – Group I (verbal communication), Group II (verbal communication and self-educational pamphlets), Group III (audiovisual aids and verbal communication), and Group IV (control group). Oral health education was assessed by getting a questionnaire filled by children and plaque scores was recorded using Silness and Loe plaque index before and after the study. The data were then compared and analyzed using SPSS 16 software manufactured by IBM.Results:Differences in knowledge gain after the dental health education were statistically significant between all the groups, except between Group II and Group III in which the difference was not found to be significant. Group III showed the highest decrease in plaque score followed by Group II. There was a significant difference in reduction in plaque scores between all the groups, except between the Groups II and III.Conclusion:Both methods, i.e., pamphlets and audiovisual aids when used along with oral lectures, are equally effective in improving the knowledge and plaque scores in children.

Impact of Oral Health Education on Oral Health Knowledge of Private School Children in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Aims and Objectives:To assess the early effect of oral health education on oral health knowledge of primary and intermediate school students of private schools by utilizing pre/post questionnaires data from oral health educational projects in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Second, to examine topic-specific knowledge differences between genders, nationalities, and educational levels of the students.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional oral health educational data of private school students (n = 1279) in primary and intermediate levels were extracted from the King Salman Centre for Children's Health (KSCCH) projects undertaken by Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy. Student's pre- and post-test data were analyzed for changes in oral health knowledge. Overall knowledge score and topic-specific knowledge scores were calculated and the differences between gender, nationality, and educational level were examined using Mann–Whitney U-test. Pre/post change in the oral health knowledge was evaluated by Wilcoxon's sign rank test.Results:Immediately, after oral health educational session high knowledge score category showed an increase of 25.6%, medium and low knowledge score categories showed −3.2% and −22.3% decrease, and this change was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Comparison of correct responses between pre- and post-test showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in all the questions except for the timing of tooth brushing. Females, non-Saudi nationals and students in primary level of education showed significantly high mean knowledge (P < 0.001) at posttest assessment.Conclusion:Primary and intermediate private school student's overall, and topic-specific oral health knowledge improved immediately after educational intervention provided by KSCCH. High knowledge gain was observed among female non-Saudi primary school students.

Impact of oral health education on periodontal and dental caries status of nursing students in Jodhpur city, Rajasthan, India: An interventional study

Introduction: Oral health education is an integral part of dental health services and has been provided in various settings such as dental office and dental institutions, school, and other educational institutions, and workplace to improve oral health by increasing awareness and interest of the population toward their own oral health. Aim: To assess the impact of oral health education on the periodontal and dental caries status of the nursing students. Materials and Methods: A total of 1045 nursing students were selected out of them there were 502 males and 543 females. The study was conducted in two phases: first phase, oral examination and second phase, oral examination after imparting oral health education. Statistical analysis included descriptive and Chi-square analysis using SPSS. Results: It was found that both males and females were having highest community periodontal index score of 3 and 4, but after health education, the scores were statistically significant ( χ 2 = 789.751, P = 0.000, S), whereas the dental caries status remained same, there was an improvement in filled component of decayed-missing-filled teeth after health education, but no statistically significant results were found ( χ 2 = 735.497, P = 0.574, NS). Conclusion: In the present study, there was an improvement in the periodontal status after imparting oral health education. Therefore, oral health education is an integral part of maintaining dental health.

Impact of oral health education on plaque scores with and without periodic reinforcement among 12-year-old school children

Introduction: As many oral health problems are preventable, creating awareness at a very early age has an impact on their health-related behaviors. Aim: To assess the impact of oral health education on plaque scores with and without periodic reinforcement among 12-year-old school children. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted among 12-year-old children of Manchi School, Balapur in Hyderabad. The study sample comprised 140 children that was further divided randomly into study and control groups with 70 children in each. The study was conducted for a period of 1 month with clinical examination being carried out at baseline and on 30 th day using Turesky, Gilmore, and Glickman modification of Quigley–Hein Plaque Index (1970). The study group received oral health education at the baseline and on the 15 th day from the baseline, whereas control group received oral health education only at the baseline. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon matched paired test. Results: Mean difference in the plaque scores among groups based on gender from baseline to follow-up examination (30 th day) revealed that males in the study and control groups had a difference of 1.09 ± 0.3, 0.59 ± 0.3, respectively ( P = 0.001). On the other hand, females in the study and control groups had 1.47 ± 0.2, 0.76 ± 0.2 difference which was statistically more significant ( P = 0.0001). The study and control groups showed 61.7% and 32.6% reduction in the mean plaque scores from baseline to follow-up examination (30 th day). Conclusion: Study group with reinforcement showed a prominent reduction in the mean plaque scores than control group.

Comparison of oral hygiene status before and after health education among 12–18-year-old patients

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period of transition with personal responsibility for preventing dental disease. The outcome of health education program has shown considerable results. The knowledge which children received during health education program paves way for the first steps to their healthier life. Aim: To study the impact of oral health education on oral hygiene status of patients aged 12–18 years, attending outpatient department. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based randomized controlled clinical trial with 100 participants (allocated into 50 study group and 50 control group) aged 12–18 years attending the outpatient department, constituted this study. Participants were assessed for basic oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices using a questionnaire. The oral hygiene status was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI) and patient hygiene performance (PHP) index. After oral prophylaxis, oral health education was given only to study group. Both groups were reassessed after 4 weeks. The values were compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 15. Results: Comparison shows more reduction of mean OHI score, and PHP score in the study group than control group with a significant P value. Conclusion: Oral health education demonstrates the satisfactory impact on oral hygiene among adolescents.

Impact of oral health education and a non-surgical periodontal therapy on the quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of oral health education and non-surgical periodontal therapy on the quality of life for a group of patients with type I diabetes mellitus, in Iasi, Romania. Materials and Method: The study was conducted on 21 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus which also presented a form of periodontitis. We examined: the degree of glycaemic control (by measuring the glycated haemoglobin), the periodontal and oral hygiene parameters at the baseline and after 4 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the periodontal treatment which consisted in scaling and root planning. The patients also filled an OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and 6 month after the periodontal therapy to assess the quality of life. Results and Discussion: We observed a rapid recurrence of the deep periodontal pockets after 12 months in subjects with poor glycaemic control. At baseline, the highest scores for the OHIP-14 were in the sub-domains of pain, discomfort on chewing and self-consciousness. Conclusions: The prolonged poor control of glycaemia is closely related with its complications. The periodontal therapy improved (lower values) the domain codes and final score of the OHIP-14 questionnaire, proving that periodontal health has an impact on the diabetic patients ' quality of life.

Impact of Oral Health Education and Oral Prophylaxis on Quality of life of Controlled Diabetic Patients in Lasuth

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycaemia. In the oral cavity, diabetes mellitus may lead to salivary dysfunction, increased susceptibility of oral tissues to trauma and periodontal disease. There is a possibility that oral health education and oral prophylaxis may have a positive impact on the OHRQOL of diabetic patients. The purpose of this study therefore, was to evaluate the impact of Oral Health Education and oral prophylaxis on the OHRQOL of diabetic patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH) using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). The study subjects had an interviewer-administered questionnaire employed to obtain information on their biodata, baseline OHIP-14 scores and periodontal/glycaemic parameters. They then received oral prophylaxis and oral health education and were reviewed at one, three and six months respectively. After 6 months, the periodontal and glycaemic parameters of the subjects were recorded again and the OHIP-14 form was used to evaluate the impact of the interventions on their OHRQOL. At baseline, subjects reported moderate and high impacts on their quality of life in the sub-domains of discomfort, pain, self-consciousness and embarrassment. The prevalence of moderate and severe periodontitis in this study population was 37.5%. At the 6 months review, there was a significant reduction in the Fasting Blood Sugar and 2 hours Post Prandial glucose of the subject was compared to baseline scores. There was also a significant mean reduction in the periodontal parameters and an improvement in the OHRQOL of the subjects. The greatest improvement in OHRQOL was in the subdomain of discomfort, pain, self-consciousness and embarrassment. This study demonstrated that oral prophylaxis and oral health education may result in an improvement in the OHRQOL of the diabetic subjects. Further studies using a randomized controlled trial design are however recommended to validate these findings.

Educational intervention on the plaque score among hearing impaired children

Background: Oral health is an integral part of overall health of all children. The maintenance of oral health of hearing impaired children is a challenging problem; due to lack of communicative skills and access to dental care. There is a need to improve oral health of children with hearing impairment (CHI). The aim is to evaluate the impact of oral health education (OHE) intervention on the plaque scores among hearing impaired children. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 institutionalized CHI aged range 5-17 years were selected for this study. Oral hygiene status was assessed using Turesky-GilmoreGlickman modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index, dentition status along with decayed, missing, filled, surfaces were recorded. OHE along with the proper tooth brushing technique was demonstrated using a tooth model and a brush. Oral hygiene status was reassessed after 21 days and the data obtained were analyzed. Results: A paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to test the difference between the groups. In all the above tests, P < 0.05 was accepted as indicating statistical significance. A significant reduction in the plaque scores was seen in all the primary (0.323), mixed (0.231) and permanent dentition of children (0.200), with the plaque score reduction being more in the permanent dentition (P < 0.001). Conclusion: OHE was effective in reducing the plaque scores in hearing impaired children. Different modalities for constant motivation and reinforcement in maintaining a good oral hygiene methods should be evaluated in children with special health care needs.

구강보건교육이 구강환경관리 능력지수(PHP index)에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral health education on adolescents. Methods: The subjects were middle school students in a health promoting school in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province. Before giving the students oral health instruction, their modified Patient Hygiene Performance index (PHP index) was measured using disclosing solution. Then, the students were taught the right way to brush teeth (Rolling method) and use oral hygiene devices such as dental floss, tongue cleaner and interdental brush. Their modified PHP index was re-measured three days after and seven days after the education to evaluate the effect and persistency of oral health education. of the total 116 students, 48 students who completely filled out the questionnaire and participated in the whole process, photo shooting and three times of PHP index measurement, were included in the final analysis. Results: The students' modified PHP index significantly decreased three days after the education. However, the index slightly went back up seven days after the oral health education. Conclusion: Oral health education was effective in reducing dental plaque which remained after brushing. Continuous education about and constant motivation for oral hygiene turned out to be critical to maintain the impact of oral health education. Therefore, it is necessary to develop educational contents which can constantly motivate teenagers.