The Effects of Motivational Methods Applied During Toothbrushing on Children's Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Health

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different motivational methods on children's oral hygiene and periodontal health. Methods: A prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 six- to 12-year-olds who were randomly assigned to toothbrushing with an hourglass timer, music video, or control group. All three groups were divided into two equal subgroups: those using a manual toothbrush and those using a powered toothbrush. The plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were measured in each group. The data obtained were analyzed using three-factor variance analysis. Results: A statistically significant decrease was observed in PI and GI values in all groups (P<0.05). The highest decrease in PI values was observed in the group brushing with a music video and a powered toothbrush (51.8 percent), whereas the least decrease was observed in the control group using a powered toothbrush (26.1 percent). The differences were not statistically significant among the groups. Conclusions: A significant decrease in plaque index and gingival index values was obtained in all groups compared to baseline values. Although the additional motivational methods used during toothbrushing contributed to improved plaque removal and toothbrushing efficiency, no statistically significant differences were found among the groups.