Longitudinal evaluation of a self-inspection plaque index in periodontal recall patients

This paper presents a controlled clinical trial to compare the effects of 2 programs for maintenance of oral hygiene after periodontal treatment. Oral hygiene instruction using a self-inspection plaque index was compared to traditional instruction using professional monitoring of disclosed plaque. 31 periodontal recall patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. 15 patients in the self-inspection group were provided a manual that taught scoring of disclosed plaque on 6 teeth, a lighted dental mirror, and disclosing wafers. 16 patients in the traditional group were shown disclosed plaque in their own mouths, and were given feedback regarding oral hygiene skills. Instruction was given initially, at 2 weeks, at 1.5 months and at 3 months. The teeth were scaled at the start and at 3 months. Disclosed dentogingival plaque (before and after brushing), gingival bleeding on probing, and oral hygiene skills were assessed at 0, 1.5, 3 and 6 months. Initial mean plaque scores for only the self-inspection group decreased significantly at 1.5 months and were maintained throughout the study; however differences between groups were not observed at any time except at baseline. Gingival bleeding scores were low throughout the study for both groups. Results provide some evidence for the effectiveness of self-evaluation of disclosed plaque as a means for improving oral hygiene behavior in already-motivated patients.