"You should brush your teeth better": a randomized controlled trial comparing best-possible versus as-usual toothbrushing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most people's tooth brushing performance is deficient, even when they are encouraged to brush to the best of their abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore the nature of this deficit by comparing best-possible vs. as-usual brushing.

Methods

University students (N = 111) were randomly assigned to receive one of two instructions: "brush your teeth as usual" (AU-instruction) or "brush your teeth to the best of your abilities" (BP-instruction). Video analyses assessed brushing performance. The marginal plaque index (MPI) assessed after brushing was used as an indicator of brushing effectiveness. A questionnaire assessed subjectively perceived oral cleanliness (SPOC).

Results

Participants in the BP group brushed their teeth longer (p = 0.008, d = 0

SUBMITTER: Weik U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10327354 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature