ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the impact of a regular professional oral health care program and the accompanying oral health education. METHODS: We included 552 patients who visited the C dental hospital more than 5 times as part of a regular professional oral health care program from January 2009 to March 2014. This program comprised of an O'Leary plaque control record, tooth brushing instructions, professional tooth brushing, professional tooth cleaning, periodontal or operative treatment (optional), and education on auxiliary devices. The O'Leary plaque control record was evaluated at the fifth consecutive visit, from the first visit to the recent visit. RESULTS: The study data revealed that patient plaque control rate significantly increased with a lapse in care provided from the baseline. However, no intergroup differences were observed with respect to age and sex. The plaque controlling ability of a patient who was educated on the Watanabe's brushing method, which was a combination of the Watanabe's brushing method and rolling method, was significantly increased. Use of an interdental brush, attending the 5-time tooth brushing instruction program, and tooth polishing aided to enhance the plaque-control rate. Further, the plaque control rate of a patient with a pontic, fully covered tooth and implant was significantly higher than those without the same. The Watanabe's brushing method, number of fully covered teeth, and number of implants were significant variables that impacted the final plaque control rate, as ascertained using multiple linear regression analysis. Increased plaque control rate was maintained till the recent evaluation from the fifth visit. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of patients to reduce plaque formation was improved after the educational program, which comprised of tooth brushing instructions as part of a regular professional oral health care program.