Short-Term Efficacy of Oral Hygiene Instruction on Gingival Inflammation and Plaque Control Across Age Groups

Abstract

Background: Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva induced primarily by dental plaque, which may advance to periodontitis if left untreated. Enhancement of oral hygiene by patient instruction and encouragement is essential, yet research addressing short-term outcomes in a variety of age groups is scarce.

Objective: To assess the immediate efficacy of oral hygiene education (OHI) and motivation on gingival inflammation and plaque control in adults of different age groups.

Methods: This was a longitudinal study included 50 patients, aged 18–53 years, who presented at the Department of Dentistry, Bilad Al-Rafidain University College, diagnosed with gingivitis. Participants received a 30-minute OHI session once (Bass technique demonstration, plaque disclosure, motivational counseling). Baseline and a follow-up measurement, a week after intervention, were applied to measure PI, GI, and BOP%. We used paired t-tests and chi-square tests to look at the data, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: We found that there was a statistically significant decrease in by 76.0% (4.756 ± 0.21 to 1.139 ± 0.14, p < 0.001), GI decreased by 47.2% (5.63 ± 0.24 to 2.97 ± 0.25, p < 0.001), and BOP% decreased by 38.6% (40.54 ± 2.52 to 24.88 ± 1.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A single, well-structured OHI session reduced plaque accumulation and gingivitis by a week. These findings are in favor of the use of motivational, chairside OHI as a highly effective short-term intervention in decreasing periodontal disease, although longer-term follow-up is called for.