An exploratory study into whether self-monitoring improves adherence to daily flossing among dental patients.
OBJECTIVE
This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an action-control behavioral intervention on adherence to dental flossing in patients with periodontal disease. Action control, that is, monitoring one's behavior and evaluating it against a self-set standard, has been suggested as a self-regulatory strategy that can assist people who intend to engage in behavioral change.


METHODS
In a single-center, single-blind prospective trial, 73 dental patients received a behavioral intervention, which was either matched or mismatched to their stage of behavioral change. Through responses to a standardized self-report measure, participants were classified either as motivational (i.e., not ready to change) or volitional (i.e., contemplating change) with regard to dental flossing. The intervention consisted of a simple self-monitoring tool for dental flossing in the form of a diary. Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores were measured before and at 4 weeks postintervention.


RESULTS
Flossing frequency, dental plaque, and bleeding scores improved (P < 0.001) in both stage-matched and stage-mismatched patients.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief behavioral intervention enhances adherence to dental flossing, regardless of participants' stage of change. Keeping a flossing diary can increase dental flossing and reduce plaque and bleeding scores in patients with periodontal disease, in the short term.
King's College, London, UK.
Ruby
R
Suresh
Katharine C
KC
Jones
Jonathan Timothy
JT
Newton
Koula
K
Asimakopoulou
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057566:Self Report; D012647:Self-Assessment; D016037:Single-Blind Method