Effectiveness of Active Oral Hygiene Education among teenage orthodontic patients

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of Active Oral Hygiene Education in improving oral health issues among teenage patients wearing braces.
Methods: A Randomized Controlled Community Intervention Trial was conducted. 131 teenagers wearing braces participated in the study. Subjects were then randomly divided into 2 groups: 65 in Experiment Group (Group E) and 66 in Control Group (Group C). The Active Oral Hygiene Education Model was used for Group E (a video clip showing plaque control methods, a flipchart for in-clinic active plaque control education, a simulation dental model and leaflets for household distribution). The Group C received oral hygiene instructions from their dentists only. Modified Plaque Index (Silness & Loe, MPI), white spot caries lesions (WP) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI) were recorded at baseline, and after 4, 12, 24 weeks by 3 calibrated examiners. ANOVA test (Bonferroni Method) and T-test were applied.
Results: There were no statistical significant differences in MPI, MGI and WP between 2 groups at baseline. Group E had significantly lower mean score of MPI than Group C after 4 weeks (0.63 ± 0.23 and 0.89 ± 0.34), 12 weeks (0.61 ± 0.31 and 0.92 ± 0.31) and 24 weeks (0.65 ± 0.30 and 0.88 ± 0.29). MGI scores were also lower in Group E than Group C at 4 week point (0.53 ± 0.38 and 0.83 ± 0.55), 12 week point (0.70 ±0.60 and 1.00 ± 0.50) and 24 week point (0.83 ± 0.52 and 1.05 ± 0.45) (p<0.01). There were statictically differences in means of white spot lesions between Group E and Group C after 12 weeks (4.12 ± 3.18 and 5.25 ± 3.83) and 24 weeks (2.82 ± 2.40 and 4.85 ± 4.08) (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Active Oral Hygiene Education played an important role to improve oral health issues among teenage orthodontic patients.