An exploratory study into whether self‐monitoring improves adherence to daily flossing among dental patients
Abstract
Objectives: 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.
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Goal setting, planning and self-monitoring are successful methods in promoting behavioural change in oral health, especially in patients with periodontitis, and are beneficial in the long run.
“Goal setting, planning and self-monitoring are successful methods in promoting behavioural change in oral health, especially in patients with periodontitis. This approach is also beneficial in the long run as it encourages adherence to oral hygiene practices, particularly regarding interproximal surfaces and the reduction of plaque and bleeding scores [52–54].”
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“This approach is also bene fi cial in the long run as it encourages adherence to oral hygiene practices, particularly regarding interproximal surfaces and the reduction of plaque and bleeding scores [52 – 54].”
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- Authors
- Suresh, R., Jones, K. C., Newton, J. T., & Asimakopoulou, K.
- Affiliations
- King's College London (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Asimakopoulou, Koula
- ORCID
- Asimakopoulou, Koula
- Venue
- Journal of Public Health Dentistry
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2011-09-12
- Volume
- 72
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1-7
- ISSN
- 0022-4006 (ISSN-L)
- 1752-7325
- OpenAlex
- W2126329256
- Cited by
- 37
- References
- 33
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4
- FWCI
- 1.58
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Public Health Dentistry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Dental Health and Care Utilization
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Keywords
- self-monitoring, dental flossing, periodontal disease, behavioral interventions, action control, self-regulation, stages of change, dental plaque, gingival bleeding
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Behavior Therapy, Dental Devices, Home Care, Dental Plaque, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Patient Compliance, Periodontal Diseases, Prospective Studies, Self-Assessment, Single-Blind Method, Self Report
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