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document
Effect of a multi-faceted intervention on gingival health among adults with systemic sclerosis . OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of adaptive oral hygiene devices and orofacial exercise to improve gingival health among adults with systemic sclerosis ( SSc ) . METHODS Forty-eight patients with SSc were assigned randomly to the multifaceted oral health intervention or usual dental care control group . Participants in the intervention group received a rechargeable , powered Oral-B® oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrush and a Reach® Access™ Flosser that has a toothbrush-like handle . For those with an oral aperture of less than 40 mm , orofacial exercises were taught . Participants in the control group were each given a manual toothbrush and dental floss . Participants in both groups received instructions and demonstration on the use of the devices , and were requested to perform the respective intervention twice a day for 6 months . Evaluations were at baseline , 3- , and 6-months . The main outcome was gingival index ( GI ) , an indicator of gingival inflammation . RESULTS Both groups showed significant reduction in GI scores at 6 months ( ps < 0.005 ) . Reduction in GI scores of the intervention group at 6 months was 20.8 % which is considered to be clinically significant . Compared to the control group , the intervention group showed a significant and larger reduction in GI score by 8 % at 6 months ( p=0.0007 ) . CONCLUSIONS Results support the use of adaptive devices and orofacial exercise to improve gingival health in adults with SSc when compared to use of manual toothbrushing and finger-held flossing . Recommending and educating patients with SSc to use adaptive devices to clean the tooth surfaces looks promising for long-term oral health improvement .
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Intervention_Physical
multi-faceted intervention
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Intervention_Physical
adaptive oral hygiene devices
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Intervention_Physical
orofacial exercise
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Intervention_Physical
multifaceted oral health intervention
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Intervention_Physical
usual dental care
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Outcome_Other
Effect
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Outcome_Physical
gingival health
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Outcome_Other
evaluate the effect
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Outcome_Physical
gingival health
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Participant_Age
adults
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Participant_Condition
systemic sclerosis
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Participant_Age
adults
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Participant_Condition
systemic sclerosis
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Participant_Condition
SSc
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Participant_Sample-size
Forty-eight
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Participant_Condition
SSc