THE IMPACT OF ORAL HYGIENE EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON PLAQUE CONTROL AND GINGIVAL HEALTH

Abstract

Oral hygiene education programs play a critical role in improving plaque control and gingival health, influencing overall dental and systemic health. Variability in the effectiveness of these programs stems from factors such as participant engagement, the educational strategies employed, and socioeconomic influences. Highlighting the importance of long-term impacts, continuous education and reinforcement are identified as key to maintaining improved oral hygiene behaviors over time. A comparative analysis of different educational methods reveals that interactive and digital tools are more effective than traditional lecture-based approaches in promoting lasting behavioral changes. The incorporation of multimodal strategies that blend traditional, interactive, and digital formats addresses the diverse learning preferences of various populations, enhancing overall engagement and effectiveness. The findings stress the need for oral hygiene programs to be adaptable and culturally relevant, ensuring accessibility and relevance across different demographic and socio-economic groups. Tailored to community-specific needs and enriched with modern technology, these educational interventions can significantly advance public health outcomes by fostering sustained improvements in oral health.