A eficácia da escovagem em pacientes especiais através das escovas modificadas

Abstract

Introduction: The patient with special needs is every individual that presents certain deviations from normal patterns, identifiable or not, and therefore require special attention for a period of their life or indefinitely. Dentists must inform parents and / or caregivers about the importance of maintaining a good oral health. Many patients need special assistance for the implementation of their oral hygiene. We can adapt toothbrushes according to their specific requirements. Objectives: Evaluate the toothbrushing effectiveness, by measuring the plaque index (PI) before and after toothbrush modification. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study. Results are based on the observation of toothbrushing technique of 39 patients with special needs who attend APPACDM and Internato Victor Fontes, in the city of Viseu, modifying the toothbrushes according to their particular difficulties. Results: This study revealed that there was a decrease of IP values in 35 individuals. It proves that the change of toothbrushes allows a better oral hygiene by patients. The remaining 4 increased the IP values by not adapting to toothbrush, lack of autonomy or simply for lack of cooperation. Conclusion: In addition to the adaptations of toothbrushes, there must be a systematic instruction and regular ongoing evaluation of the performance of toothbrushing technique by the dentist.

Date of Award	27 Jul 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Mariana Pinheiro Torres de Seabra (Supervisor) & Filipa Alexandra dos Santos Bexiga (Co-Supervisor)