Effect of tooth brushing, using song and dental model, on plaque index of children with visually impairment

Dental health education should be introduced to children, including those with physical disabilities. Children with visual impairment have poor oral hygiene and a high plaque index. Educational methods for children with visual impairment have been developed, such as the audio tactile performance method where verbal information is given, followed by the children's emulation of the model while brushing their teeth. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of tooth-brushing intervention, using an audio song and dental model, on the plaque index of children with visual impairment. Methods: This study involved 30 children with visual impairment, aged 7-12 years old, who are free from other form handicapping conditions and who were able to read with Braille. The teachers instructed and guided the children in brushing their teeth, following the audio song and dental model every day for one week. We assessed their dental plaque index before and after the one-week. Results: Tooth-brushing intervention with the audio song and dental model decreased the participants' plaque index. The mean of the plaque index before the intervention was 1.23± 0.39, dropping to 0.69± 0.28 after the intervention, with a statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) was compared using the paired t-test. Conclusion: Children with visual impairment could maintain an adequate of oral hygiene with a decrease their plaque index score after brush theirteeth using an audio song and dental model.