Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of Individual Oral Hygiene Instructions (lOHIs) utilizing a home task in improving plaque and gingival indices in children. Methods: The baseline plaque and gingival indices of 23 children (8–12 years) were measured by a blinded evaluator, then each child received lOHIs from a pediatric dentist. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention group received Individual Oral Hygiene Instructions In addition to the Home Task (IOHIHT). The home task was taking a photo by the included child of their teeth after nighttime brushing and share it with their parent. The control group received only IOHIs. A follow-up visit was scheduled 3–4 weeks later to re-measure plaque and gingival indices. Between and within groups differences were compared using Mann–Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, respectively. Results: There was no significant difference between IOHIHT and IOHI groups in plaque and gingival indices ( P = 0.87 and P = 0.32, respectively) at the follow-up visit. There was a significant decrease in plaque index ( P = 0.03) for the IOHIHT group, the median in baseline was 0.96 versus 0.42 in follow-up, and gingival index ( P = 0.003), the median was 1.04 in baseline versus 0.33 in follow-up. There was also a significant decrease in plaque index ( P = 0.009) for the IOHI group, median in baseline was 1 versus 0.42 in follow-up, and gingival index ( P = 0.005), median was 1.17 in baseline versus 0.29 in follow-up. Conclusion: IOHIs contributed to a significant reduction in plaque and gingival indices in selected subjects of children. The addition of dental home task did not appear to result in further improvement.
Alhothali et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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