Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of tangible incentive on oral hygiene task in fifth grade elementary pupils. 33 school students were included in this study and were divided into two groups. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) was measured in both groups at T₀ (baseline), T_I (initial), T_S (second) and T_T (third) stages. Those in the first group (Case group) were awarded, if they achieved low levels of OHI-S index after brushing of teeth. However, the control group was not awarded. The mean and standard deviation and percentage of changes of OHI-S score in the two groups were described and analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and Chi-square. The mean OHI-S score significantly decreased in the case group while the percentage change of this score increased in this group of students. This study indicated that oral hygiene program instruction supplemented with promising incentive can effectively improve tooth brushing performance in school children.

Key words: Oral hygiene, students, motivation, incentive, oral hygiene.