Comparative evaluation of two audio sensory methods on oral hygiene maintenance in visually impaired children

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of manual toothbrush, audio-tactile performance (ATP) method, and musical toothbrush on plaque control and oral hygiene maintenance in visually impaired children.

The current observational study included 60 visually impaired children aged 9-16 years who were randomly divided into 3 groups, each with 20 children receiving oral hygiene instructions in different modes: Group 1 (Control) manual toothbrush, Group 2 (ATP) audio-tactile performance method with a manual toothbrush, and Group 3 musical toothbrush. Both manual (groups 1 and 2) and musical toothbrushes (Group 3) were changed after 3 months for better efficiency. Oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S) and Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) plaque scores were recorded at baseline, at the end of 1, 3, and 6 months. The collected data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 21. The intra- and inter-group comparisons were analysed using one-way ANOVA, and the multiple group comparisons were analysed using the Tukey HSD test. In intragroup comparisons from baseline to 6 months, both OHI-S and RMNPI plaque scores were reduced for group 3, only OHI-S plaque scores were reduced for group 2. Intergroup comparisons revealed a statistically high significant difference in OHI-S plaque scores from baseline to 6 months and RMNPI plaque scores from 1 to 6 months.

The motivation and education with musical toothbrushes and audio-tactile performance (ATP) method could aid in the improvement of oral hygiene maintenance of visually impaired children.