Toothbrushing and interdental cleaning helps prevent dental caries: Finds study

Good oral health maintenance starts with proper toothbrushing and interdental cleaning. According to previous literature, studies suggest that these behaviors may be conducted automatically, although the instigation ('deciding to do') and execution ('doing') of these behaviors has never been examined separately.

As a result, M.H.Raison and his associates conducted the present study to test a theoretically informed supposition that oral hygiene behaviors in adults are automatic behaviors.

The authors included 150 participants attending three types of dental providers covering emergency and routine dental services who were asked to complete a questionnaire. The self-reported behavioral automaticity index scale (SRBAI) was used to measure behavioral automaticity.

The investigators noted the following key findings from the study-

1. Morning toothbrushing SRBAI scores were higher than evening scores.
2. Automaticity scores for instigating both toothbrushing and interdental cleaning were also higher compared to execution.
3. Toothbrushing automaticity scores were associated with age, gender and self-efficacy, whereas interdental cleaning automaticity scores were associated with intention.
4. Individuals in lower socioeconomic status (SES) occupations had significantly higher automaticity scores for interdental cleaning compared to those with higher SES roles.

Hence, it was concluded that "A high proportion of people undertake toothbrushing and interdental cleaning automatically, especially in relation to embarking on these behaviors. This is most pronounced in morning toothbrushing."

Based on conclusion, the following clinical implication was established-

"Promoting improvements in oral hygiene behavior toothbrushing and interdental cleaning are key strategies in preventing caries and periodontal disease. A greater understanding of what prompts and sustains these behaviors help inform how behavior change efforts should be approached."

For further reference, log on to https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103470