title: The role of instruction and a brushing device on the oral hygiene of blind children.
abstract: A brushing device using the tactile ability of blind children was compared to the use of a toothbrush. The experimental group consisted of 18 blind children, 7-14 years old; controls consisted of two groups of sighted classmates of the blind children. All children studied together in an integrated school and were match-paired. The brushing device was made from a valcran strip worn on a fingertip and used for cleaning the tooth surfaces. The experiment was conducted for 36 weeks with alternating periods of reinforcement and non-reinforcement. General oral hygiene improved after instruction and declined after non-reinforcement periods. The performance of the blind children improved with the cleaning device. The device was also helpful in developing a sense of "tooth cleanliness" and could be used as a pre-learning aid to prepare the blind children to efficiently use a toothbrush. Instruction followed by individual supervision and reinforcement will encourage all children to improve their oral hygiene level.
authors.affiliation: The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger, School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sarnat
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shalgi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001766:Blindness; D002648:Child; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*