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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
Summary
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.
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