title: Toothbrushing barriers for people with developmental disabilities: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were: (1) to determine which step in tooth brushing is most difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities and (2) to determine if oral hygiene instruction improves technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Once per week for 6 weeks, disclosing solution was applied to the teeth of 14 subjects who were observed individually in their tooth brushing technique. Fourteen distinct steps were measured on a 4-point Likert scale. Plaque score was measured after brushing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The step causing greatest difficulty was "able to brush off residual, identified plaque." Steps that showed greatest improvement were "open toothpaste" and "place toothpaste on brush." The change in plaque score from the initial visit to the final visit was not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral hygiene instruction in a group and individual setting increased compliance in the initial steps of tooth brushing.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Pediatric Dentistry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
authors.forename: Christina J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saeed
mesh_terms: D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012495:San Francisco; D014099:Toothbrushing
keywords: access/barriers to care; developmentally disabled; oral health