Effects of oral hygiene motivation strategies in paediatric patients with autism

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ABSTRACT

Aim

This study assessed the effectiveness of technological aids (video modelling) versus verbal and demonstrative motivation for improving oral hygiene in paediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Material and methods

Consecutive patients with ASD were enrolled. Data on brushing frequency, snack intake frequency, plaque index, gum index, and Frankl scale were collected at baseline. After a tooth scaling session, patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (G1) received live brushing instructions, while Group 2 (G2) received an oral hygiene motivation video via email, created using the video modelling strategy. A follow-up evaluation was conducted after three months, with all parameters measured again for comparison.

Results

Fifty-eight patients (29 per group) were enrolled. No differences at baseline were present between treatment groups. G2 showed significant improvement in brushing frequency (p<0.05), snack intake frequency (p<0.05), and gum index (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Video modelling is an effective tool for motivating oral hygiene in patients with ASD, demonstrated by significant improvements in most measured parameters for the video modelling group.

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