Effect of a motivational video on flossing behaviour: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Motivational interviews used for health behavioural change requires several sessions and expert consultations. A practical method is needed to promote oral hygiene habits. The aim of the study was to develop a video as a new motivational intervention method combining several health behaviour change theories to improve flossing behaviour. METHODS: A questionnaire about individual psychosocial characteristics was conducted to 30 volunteer dental patients. Plaque index (PI) scores were calculated and a video about flossing was shown the patients. The second PI measurements were performed after 2 months. The video including flossing instructions and expressions of performers acting dental patients was produced to test as a motivational method. Cues used in the video were generated according to health behaviour change theories and models under the supervision of an expert team. Content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (I-CVI) of the video and reliability of the questionnaire was determined. First and second PI scores were compared to assess the effect of the video. Correlation between answers of the questionnaire and PI changes were tested. RESULTS: The average I-CVIs of the video was 0.93, CVR of video items was 1, I-CVIs of 5 items was 80% and of 10 was 100%. Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire was 0.93. PI scores significantly decreased after 2 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A single session motivational intervention via a video based on health psychological models and theories was efficacious in improving oral hygiene and flossing behaviour in the short term.

A new dental casting technique for production of void-free dental models.

PURPOSE: An essential of successful dental prosthesis is dental models. Voids present in dental models decreases accuracy and strength. This study investigates void formation in models fabricated by a new technique. The technique described in the study was based upon increasing soaking time of gypsum powder in water. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Voids in hand mixed, hand mixed after a soaking time of 1.5 minutes and vacuum mixed samples were examined. The voids were counted via a stereomicroscope and diameters of voids were recorded in 2 categories (0.01-0.05mm, 0.051-0.1mm). The amounts of voids were compared between the samples prepared with 3 methods. RESULTS: The samples prepared by conventional hand mixing method had the highest total number of voids and smaller voids. There was no significant difference between the amount of voids in the samples prepared by soaking powder in water and by mixing under vacuum. CONCLUSION: Soaking gypsum powder in water for 1.5 minutes before mixing may be an alternative to mixing gypsum under vacuum to avoid void formation in dental models.