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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Assessment of Spatial Lingual Tactile Sensitivity using a Gratings Orientation Test
Published on: September 17, 2021
A tactile graphic book with Braille and audio use improved plaque score and toothbrushing performance in visually
Padthaisong PinKwan1, Prapansilp Woranun1, Rirattanapong Praphasri1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of embossed tactile graphic books and Braille with an audio file for oral health education for visually impaired individuals.
Materials And Methods:
Forty visually impaired individuals (9-16 years old) were matched and randomly assigned into two groups. The education was provided using an audio file and practicing toothbrushing with teachers' hands-on assistance for the audio/hands-on (A/HO) group and the tactile graphic book with audio and teacher supervision (ATB/TS) group. The oral health instruction was performed three times, once a week every 2 weeks, transitioning to a self-study session based on the group's method once a week for 4 weeks. Plaque score, brushing performance, and oral health knowledge were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Friedman post hoc test.
Results:
A significant improvement was found in both groups at week 6 of the intervention. However, the ATB/TS group had a significantly higher score than the A/HO group in the task analysis of tooth brushing step score (p-value < 0.001), PHP score (p-value = 0.001), and oral hygiene knowledge score (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Tactile graphic books and Braille with an audio file is an effective medium for the oral health education of visually impaired individuals.
