Comparison of model demonstration and video-based education methods on oral hygiene practices and caries incidence in 3–5-year-old children: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral and dental health status of children aged 3-5, to examine their behaviours regarding dental health, and to improve their existing oral care habits using model and video education methods and compare these methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 282 children aged 3-5, randomized into three groups, attending six private kindergartens affiliated with the Kartal, Pendik, Tuzla District Directorate of National Education in Istanbul. Firstly, a survey was administered to parents to learn their knowledge about their children's oral and dental health. Intraoral examinations were performed on all children, and their dental and gingival health status was examined by using ICDAS II, plaque and gingival indices. The first group received model-based educaiton, the second group received video-based education, and the third group served as the control group and was not trained. Six months later, parent surveys and intraoral examinations were conducted again and changes children's oral and dental health knowledge and behaviours were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant positive changes were observed in the oral and dental health-related behaviour of the children in the groups that received model- or video-based education. Additionally, there was a statistically significant positive change after the training regarding the importance of regular and proper toothbrushing, using dental floss and fluoride-containing children's toothpaste, tongue cleaning, reducing unhealthy snack consumption and visit the dentist regularly, with parental support (p < 0.05). While a statistically significant change was detected in plaque index scores of the trained groups (p < 0.05), there was no statistically significant change in the gingival index (p > 0.05). While there was no significant difference between the model method and video methods in oral and dental health education, model-based education was found to be more effective when ICDAS II and plaque indexes were evaluated in terms of its effect on caries incidence. CONCLUSION: As a result, both model and video education methods increase children's oral and dental health and knowledge level, and model education is more effective in reducing the incidence of caries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN66028008.