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Oral Health Research Orthodontics Preventive Dentistry

What are the effects of oral health education and motivation on disease prevention and health promotion?

This summary is based on the article published by the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics: Education and motivation in oral health — preventing disease and promoting health in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (May-June 2011)

Context

It is incumbent upon dentists to prevent disease, minimize risks and promote health. Patients also need to be made aware of their role in oral health care. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment find it particularly difficult to maintain satisfactory oral hygiene owing to the presence of bands, wires and ligatures. It is therefore crucial to establish preventive motivation and guidance methods to ensure mechanical control of dental plaque.

In order to promote and maintain satisfactory oral health, orthodontic patients should undergo a stringent program of oral hygiene and
dental plaque control before and during orthodontic treatment. Despite the large number of resources available for patient guidance and motivation, such as audiovisual resources, films, printed material, among others, the major tool is still direct, personal guidance.

Purpose of the Study

To investigate the effects of educational, preventive and motivational actions on the oral health of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Key Messages

Initially, the oral hygiene of participants was inadequate. During the study, significant improvement in oral health occurred in all indices. Preventive, educational and motivational actions undertaken in this study were statistically effective in improving the oral health of orthodontic patients.

The current health paradigm requires that patients be regarded as one single whole. Health promotion and disease prevention should be
part of the philosophy adopted by orthodontists in caring for their patients. Furthermore, professionals should provide guidance and motivation to their patients regarding oral health care before and during orthodontic treatment.

Clinical Implications

Health promotion and disease prevention should be part and parcel of the care provided by orthodontists directly to their patients whereas oral health care guidance and motivation should be provided before and during treatment.

 

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1 Comment

  1. william hamel December 20, 2013

    To investigate the effects of educational, preventive and motivational actions on the oral health of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

    Reply

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