Psychological, behavioural and clinical effects of Intra Oral Camera use in adults with gingivitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the improvement in dental hygiene behaviours and gingival health after the introduction of an intraoral camera (IOC) in a Supportive Periodontal Therapy (SPT) and examine the underlying psychological mechanisms of effectiveness. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted over 4 months with 78 adults with gingivitis. Self-reported behavioural (dental hygiene behavior) and psychological variables (outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, planning and IOC opinion), and objective clinical outcomes (bleeding index: BOMP) were evaluated one week before or during thean SPT appointment and four months later during among control and IOC groups. Results: At baseline the level of gingivitis was high (BOMP = 1.6), and most of the patients brushed their teeth daily, while 80% never used dental floss. In comparison to control, patients from the IOC group decreased significantly the level of bleeding (p < .001) and increased flossing frequency (p < .05) and self-efficacy levels (p < .05) at 4 months follow up. The evaluation of the use of the IOC was highly positive. Conclusions: The use of the IOC helps significantly to improve clinical, behavioural and psychological determinants of gingival health up to 4 months. The IOC may be considered an important tool to help dental professionals to achieve better therapeutic results and change behavior of their patients in the short and medium term.