Evaluation of the effect of oral hygiene instructions on maintenance of gingival health

Aim: Tooth brushing is the most widespread means of controlling plaque at home. Research on instruction techniques for promotion of oral health abilities plays an important role in the prevention of periodontal diseases. Thus the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of written and oral individualized instructions of oral hygiene on gingivitis in an adult population. Materials and methods: Sixty participants above the age of 18 years were included in the study. They were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: Oral instructions, written instructions, and oral individualized instructions. For all the participants, plaque and gingival indices were recorded using periodontal probe with Williams’s markings and a mouth mirror, at baseline, at the end of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week. Results: Plaque and gingival index scores reduced in all the groups. However, it was seen that plaque index significantly reduced in the group receiving individualized instructions. Conclusion: In view of the results of the present study, it can be implied that oral hygiene instructions should be provided, and they should be tailormade for each individual that would help correct the individual deficits in the learners.