Effect of follow-up intervention of toothbrushing on periodontal health in workplace dental examination.

This study examined the effect of follow-up intervention on periodontal health of workers on the basis of clinical assessment and a laboratory test. Toothbrushing instruction was given to 26 workers (41.4 +/- 7.8 yr of age). In the experimental group (EG), 13 workers received re-instruction and reminder messages after the initial intervention. The remaining 13 workers, who served as a control group (CG), underwent no follow-up. Brushing skill was assessed on the basis of plaque scores for the whole mouth (Plaque Control Record, PCR) and for eight representative teeth (Plaque Index, PLI). Periodontal health was evaluated with the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Assessment of gingival inflammation (Modified Gingival Index, MGI), measurements of pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL), and collection of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were performed at the representative sites. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in GCF was determined. Periodontal assessments were conducted prior to and three months after the first examination. Data were analyzed on site- and subject-bases. Both groups exhibited a significant reduction in PLI and MGI. PCR and PD significantly decreased exclusively in the EG. No significant change was observed in the CPI or AL. A significant reduction in PD in shallow pockets (PD<=3 mm) and declines in AL and AST in deeper pockets (PD>=4 mm) were detected in EG. A reduction in PD in deeper pockets was significant in the CG. These results indicate that intervention with follow-up is more effective with respect to periodontal health of workers than is a single intervention; moreover, the laboratory GCF test could be employed to ascertain the outcome of behavioral change.