Author(s): Nikhil Srivastava, AlpaVasishat, Garima Gupta and Vivek Rana
Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of three different ‘methods of teaching’ tooth brushing in young children and the effect of reinforcement on the learning skills of the child. Material and Methods: 60 children (7-9 years) were equally divided into 3 groups (Group I: Audio visual; Group II: individual instruction on cast; Group III-child as a model) based on the ‘method of teaching’ the tooth brushing to be used. Each group was further divided equally into reinforcer and non reinforcer sub groups according to the reinforcement schedule. After teaching the correct brushing technique, the oral hygiene status of the children was evaluated using modified plaque index. The correct brushing technique was re-taught to the children and the plaque scores were re-evaluated after one week in the reinforcer and nonreinforcer groups. The data was statistically analyzed utilizing the two ways ANOVA and Post Hoc-Bonferroni Multiple comparison test. Results: Maximum drop in post teaching plaque scores was seen in Group II (individual instruction on cast) and the least drop in plaque scores was observed in Group III (child as a model) . The percentage decrease in the post teaching plaque scores even confirmed Group II to be the most efficacious method with a drop in plaque scores to 48.6%. Also reinforcing the brushing instructions again after few days resulted in better reduction of plaque scores. Conclusion: Individual cast instruction group was most effective method for teaching brushing method when compared to other groups. It was further
