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Research on dentistry reported by scientists at University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry
2009 JUN 29 - (NewsRx.com) -- A report, 'School-based education to improve oral cleanliness and gingival health in adolescents in Tehran, Iran,' is newly published data in International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. According to recent research published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, "Schools can be an important setting for health education programmes, controlling the growing burden of oral diseases and promoting oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of school-based educational intervention on oral cleanliness and gingival health of 15-year-olds in Tehran, Iran." "The present cluster randomized trial was based on exposing students (n=287; control, n=130) at public schools to oral health knowledge through a leaflet or a videotape. The outcome was evaluated after 12 weeks. A positive outcome was defined as at minimum a 50% reduction in numbers of teeth with dental plaque or gingival bleeding compared to baseline. Evaluation included percentage changes, number needed to treat (NNT), and students' self-assessment. At baseline, all students had dental plaque, and 93% had gingival bleeding on at least one index tooth. Positive outcome for oral cleanliness was 58% (p <0.001) of the students in the leaflet group, 37% (p <0.001) in the videotape group, and 10% of controls. Corresponding figures for gingival health were 72% (p <0.001), 64% (p <0.001), and 30%. For oral cleanliness, NNT was 2 in the leaflet and 3 in the videotape group; for gingival bleeding, NNT in both groups was 3. More than two-thirds of the students assessed their oral health behaviours as having improved moderately," wrote R. Yazdani and colleagues, University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry. The researchers concluded: "An easy-to-organize and inexpensive school-based intervention can in the short term be effective in improving oral cleanliness and gingival health among adolescents; in particular, in countries with a developing oral health system." Yazdani and colleagues published their study in International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry (School-based education to improve oral cleanliness and gingival health in adolescents in Tehran, Iran. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2009;19(4):274-81). For additional information, contact R. Yazdani, University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry, Helsinki, Finland. The publisher's contact information for the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry is: Blackwell Publishing Inc., 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA. Keywords: Finland, Helsinki, Clinical Trial Research, Dental Plaque, Pediatric Dentistry, Pediatrics. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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