| Review | Knowledge level | Oral hygiene behaviors | Caries prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown, 199450 OHP and OHE, 57 studies |
Most interventions are effective in increasing knowledge
in the short term, little evidence for longer-term effects. (3 studies) |
One-on-one instruction, repeated contact, and participant
involvement lead to short-term improvement, but no longer-term effects. (13 studies) |
Reduction in caries if target was use of fluoride-containing
product. (3 studies) |
| Kay, 199651 OHE, 37 studies |
Knowledge levels are consistently raised by interventions;
more effective interventions tended to be more expensive. (14 studies) |
Plaque removal programs are generally effective in
short term, but no long-term benefits. (15 studies) |
No evidence that dental health education interventions
affect caries levels. (4 studies) |
| Sprod, 199652 OHP, 70 studies |
Knowledge can be easily improved using many approaches,
but may fade, may need reinforcement. Has limited effect on behavior
change when used alone. (NR) |
Behavior change is effected by active involvement,
repetition, and continued support. Most effective methods address
social, personal, environmental, and technical factors. (NR) |
Very few studies, little evidence of long-term gain. (NR) |
| Kay, 199853 OHP, 164 studies |
Knowledge levels are invariably altered by interventions,
but alterations not related to changes in behavior or health. (NR) |
Simple instruction alters behavior in short term,
reducing plaque levels; no lasting effect. (20 RCTs) |
Meta-analysis indicates 1.8 surface reduction associated
with interventions increasing use of fluorides. (7 RCTs) |
| Note: NR, number of studies not reported; OHP indicates oral health promotion; OHE, oral health education; RCT, randomized controlled trials. |
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