Open Collections

Abstract

Objectives: Having fixed orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity when quality oral self-care is lacking poses a high risk to one’s oral health. The study assessed the efficacy and sustainability of professionally guided individualized oral self-care skills training using Zoom to improve oral self-care skills and reducing dental plaque levels in young orthodontic patients. Methods: A sample of 28 patients between the ages of 10-16 years undergoing orthodontic treatment at the University of British Columbia’s Graduate Orthodontic Clinic were randomly assigned into two study groups: an intervention group receiving several sessions of individualized oral self-care skills education and a control group receiving oral self-care simplified instructions from graduate orthodontic residents during their regular appointments. Plaque levels, toothbrushing duration, and oral self-care skills were assessed at three observation periods: baseline, within 1-2 months and 4-6 months after baseline. Disclosed plaque levels were calculated from intraoral buccal photographs and oral self-care skills were assessed using a standardized toothbrushing observation form. Results: As compared to the control group, the intervention group significantly improved their oral self-care skills and had reduced plaque levels at the first and the second follow-up. The improvements in oral self-care skills were sustained even after the discontinuation of the educational sessions, while the control group participants did not improve their oral self-care skills. The length of toothbrushing time did not associate with dental plaque levels. Conclusions: Several professionally guided educational sessions delivered via Zoom improved oral self-care skills and reduced plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients. Longer toothbrushing time was not associated with lower plaque levels. Oral self-care skills should be taught over several sessions in a progressive way and ideally acquired prior to bonding of fixed orthodontic appliances.