Effective Management Interval Focused on Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning

Cho, Min Jeong

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the optimal management interval in 33 healthy adults by observing changes in oral health on the basis of the plaque control index and gingival index. When plaque control score was compared according to the period, it was found that oral hygiene management was the best in the fourth visit (p<0.05). Improved oral hygiene status was observed during the 3- and 6-month follow-up (p<0.05). Regarding gingival index, the fourth visit showed the healthiest gingival status (p<0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the gingival index worsened, but a healthy gingival status was attained by 6-month follow-up (p<0.05). The plaque control score according to interest in dental health showed that the "˜interested' group had good oral hygiene management (p<0.05). As a motivation for oral hygiene status and gingival health, examination with a "˜phase contrast microscope' in the first visit and calculation of the "˜evaluation index' in the follow-up visit tended to improve the patients' ability for oral hygiene management (p>0.05). The questionnaire survey showed, that the optimal management interval was 1, 3, and 6 months. As a result, with the effective management interval for the preventive management program focused on professional mechanical tooth cleaning, which was administered weekly, the maximum ability for oral hygiene management was attained at the fourth visit. The effective management period was 1 month. The use of a phase contrast microscope and the calculation of the evaluation index for oral hygiene management could influence the motivation to improve oral hygiene management.