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A novel music based tooth brushing system for blind children

V Shetty1, A M Hegde, E Varghese

  • 1Department of Pedodontics and Preventive children dentistry, A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, India. docvabitha29@gmail.com

The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|July 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A specially designed oral health education program significantly improved the oral health status of visually impaired children in South India. The program utilized music-aided instructions and tactile models to enhance oral hygiene practices.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Special Education

Background:

  • Visually impaired children often face unique challenges in maintaining oral hygiene.
  • Assessing and improving the oral health status (OHS) of this population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the OHS of visually impaired children in South India.
  • To develop and implement a tailored Oral Health Education (OHE) program.
  • To assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing OHS.

Main Methods:

  • 98 institutionalized visually impaired children (6-14 years) were assessed using Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Plaque Index (MQHPI), and Streptococcus mutans counts.
  • A novel OHE program with tactile models and music-aided toothbrushing instructions was delivered.
  • Oral health parameters were re-evaluated at two weeks, one month, and two months post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant reductions in MGI and MQHPI were observed post-intervention.
  • A highly significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans colony counts was noted.
  • The improvements were sustained through reinforced and non-reinforced periods.

Conclusions:

  • The specially formulated OHE program was highly effective in improving the oral health status of visually impaired children.
  • Innovative educational approaches can significantly benefit special needs populations.
  • This study highlights the importance of adaptive OHE strategies.
Abstract

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