Application of a Motivation–Behavioral Skills Protocol in Gingival Lichen Planus: A Short‐Term Study

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a motivation–behavioral skills protocol for plaque control in patients with gingival lichen planus. METHODS: A pre- and post-test descriptive clinical study was made of 40 consecutive white patients with gingival lichen planus: five males (12.5%) and 35 females (87.5%); mean age: 57 years. A motivation–behavioral skills protocol for oral hygiene was applied, with the determination of gingival scores (gingival index, plaque extension, and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs [CPITN]) and patient evaluation after 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: The clinical parameters in relation to the different forms of gingival lichen planus showed statistically significant improvements for gingival index, plaque extension, and CPITN (P <0.001) as determined 4 and 8 weeks after starting the program. CONCLUSIONS: The application of an active prevention program in patients with gingival lichen planus is important because it offers benefits for periodontal health. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm the results obtained.