ABSTRACT Oral health professionals frequently provide oral hygiene instruction (OHI) during dental visits, yet the evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive. The main objective of this study was to examine the evidence on the effectiveness of various oral hygiene teaching approaches on periodontal health in adults. The study searched the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases for reports published between January 2000 and June 2020 in the English language. The quality of the selected papers was evaluated using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by two authors. Overall, five reports met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The heterogeneity of outcome measurements across studies did not allow for direct comparison. Verbal and brochures were among the methods used in the studies. OHI was found to have short-term (up to 13 weeks) effects on dental plaque levels and/or gingiva bleeding. No significant differences were noted among the different oral hygiene methods affecting periodontal health. There is evidence that OHI is effective in reducing plaque and gingival bleeding scores in adult individuals, but it is still unclear if the effect continues beyond 13 weeks. No single method can be highlighted as the best medium of instruction.
Oral Hygiene ; Periodontal Diseases ; Adult

This study reviewed the educational strategies of oral health intervention studies on children aged three to 18 years. Eighteen studies, published between January 2015 and December 2021, were found in the major databases and met the eligibility criteria. Information on the educational activities, topics, and study participants were extracted and synthesised, and the association between the number of strategies and oral health improvement was examined. Demonstrations, distribution of printed materials, and provision of oral health kits were frequently employed educational activities of the 14 studies identified.. Of ten topics, oral health care, diet, and oral diseases were frequently included. Most interventions involved children only and few had involved the parents, children, and teachers. Improvement in clinical and non-clinical outcomes are associated with fewer topics and targeting children only, respectively. It is unclear whether mixed and multiple strategies are advantageous and cost-effective in preventing oral diseases in children.