EC Dental Science

Background: Finding the ideal instructional methods to achieve effective plaque removal is challenging.

Objective: This study aims to measure the most effective method for providing instructions for Modified-Stillman Brushing Technique.

Materials and Methods: This was a single blind randomized controlled trial conducted on 101 male and female participants aged 18 - 40 at Qassim University Dental Clinics. They were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1: no instructions (control). Group 2: brochure with written instruction only, NO illustrations. Group 3: brochure written+ illustrated instructions. Group 4: brochure with written+ illustrated instructions+ video. Group 5: verbal instructions and demonstration on a dental model. Silness and Loe Plaque index measurements were obtained before and after brushing. While brushing, they were evaluated for their brushing technique. Paired t-test and ANOVA were used to test associations where appropriate.

Results: At the baseline, all groups showed a significant difference (P = .000) with regard to the plaque measurement before and after brushing. Arranging the groups from the least scored to the highest would be Group 1 < Group 2 < Group 3 < Group 4 < Group 5. There was no significance recorded in the first plaque measurement or the second plaque measurement between all groups when compared together.

Conclusion: There was a significant difference among the groups regarding the brushing technique application. The difference between the plaque levels were not significant between the groups. This suggests that any method of brushing will reduce plaque. It is imperative to practice proper brushing techniques since not accomplishing the correct methods may result in adverse effects on the dentition such as gingival recession.

Keywords: Modified Stillman; Brushing Technique Instructions; Silness and Loe Plaque Index; Oral Hygine

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