The role of instruction and a brushing device on the oral hygiene of blind children.

Abstract

A brushing device using the tactile ability of blind children was compared to the use of a toothbrush. The experimental group consisted of 18 blind children, 7-14 years old; controls consisted of two groups of sighted classmates of the blind children. All children studied together in an integrated school and were match-paired. The brushing device was made from a valcran strip worn on a fingertip and used for cleaning the tooth surfaces. The experiment was conducted for 36 weeks with alternating periods of reinforcement and non-reinforcement. General oral hygiene improved after instruction and declined after non-reinforcement periods. The performance of the blind children improved with the cleaning device. The device was also helpful in developing a sense of "tooth cleanliness" and could be used as a pre-learning aid to prepare the blind children to efficiently use a toothbrush. Instruction followed by individual supervision and reinforcement will encourage all children to improve their oral hygiene level.