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Effects of a short behavioural intervention for dental flossing: randomized-controlled trial on planning when, where and how
Article first published online: 22 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2009.01406.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Additional Information
How to Cite
Schüz, B., Wiedemann, A. U., Mallach, N. and Scholz, U. (2009), Effects of a short behavioural intervention for dental flossing: randomized-controlled trial on planning when, where and how. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 36: 498–505. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2009.01406.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 MAY 2009
- Article first published online: 22 APR 2009
- Accepted for publication 3 March 2009
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- behavioural intervention;
- compliance;
- oral hygiene;
- oral self-care;
- planning;
- prevention
Abstract
Aim: Regular dental flossing has been widely recommended to prevent periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, compliance is below a desirable level. This study evaluates the effects of a brief behavioural intervention on dental flossing and determines whether the effects of such an intervention are stronger in a specific subgroup of individuals (those intending to floss regularly=implemental mindset).
Materials and Method: Behavioural intervention (planning when, where and how to floss) trial was conducting with 194 participants assigned to an intervention or a control group by a random time schedule; the primary outcome was validated self-report of flossing behaviour. Follow-up data were collected 2 and 8 weeks post-intervention.
Results: Individuals receiving the planning intervention significantly outperformed those in the control condition at both the 2- and the 8-week follow-up (4.24 times flossing/week versus 3.9 at 2 weeks; 4.02 versus 2.98 at 8 weeks). Intervention effects were stronger in individuals in the implemental mindset. Dropout rates were higher for participants who received the planning intervention but were not in the implemental mindset.
Conclusion: Planning interventions are an economic and effective way to change oral self-care behaviour, and are more effective in individuals in an implemental mindset.