Efficacy of an Individualized Prevention Program Including Social Media Support on University Students with Gingivitis

RESUMEN. Antecedentes:Múltiples estudios de epidemiológicos han mostrado una alta prevalencia de gingivitis en adolescentes e individuos jóvenes de Colombia, el Tercer Estudio Nacional de Salud Buco-dental describió como aproximadamente el 70% de los jóvenes entre 15-24 años presentaron hemorragia gingival. Propósito: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de promoción de la higiene oral individualizado, con soporte a través de las redes sociales, en el control de la gingivitis a corto plazo en jóvenes universitarios de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: Treinta-ocho estudiantes con gingivitis participaron en el programa. Este programa incluía educación personalizada en higiene oral, remoción profesional de placa bacteriana y cálculo, y actividades de soporte difundidas a través de las redes sociales. Se evaluaron parámetros clínicos periodontales de placa bacteriana, hemorragia al sondaje, profundidad de surco y nivel de inserción clínico al inicio del estudio y en un examen de re-evaluación cuatro semanas después. Se utilizó la prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Los estudiantes mostraron una significativa reducción del Índice de Placa, de 72.6% a 29.6%, del porcentaje de hemorragia al sondaje, de 36.7% a 13.8%, y una ligera reducción de la profundidad de surco y ganancia del nivel de inserción clínico. Esto fue concordante con un aumento de la frecuencia de cepillado dental y uso de seda dental. Conclusión: El programa fue eficaz en el tratamiento de la gingivitis, el uso de las redes sociales fue de gran aceptación.ABSTRACT. Background: Several epidemiology reports have shown high prevalence of gingivitis among adolescents and young individuals in Colombia. The Third Colombian Oral Health Study described how approximately 70 % of individuals 15-24 years had gingival bleeding. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an individualized oral hygiene program that uses social media to treat gingivitis on young university students from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: Thirty-eight students with gingivitis participated in a program that included: Individualized oral hygiene instruction, professional removal of plaque and calculus and, recall and support on oral hygiene through the use of social media. Evaluated clinical parameters included: plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment levels, these measured at baseline and at a follow-up examination four weeks later. Wilcoxon test was used. Results: Plaque accumulation was significantly reduced from 72.6 % to 29.6 %, similarly bleeding on probing was reduced, from 36.7 % to 13.8%, a slight reduction in probing depth and gain in attachment level was observed. Subjects reported an increased frequency for toothbrushing and use of dental floss. Conclusion: The program showed efficacy in the treatment of gingivitis, subjects were highly positive to the use of social media.ABSTRACT. Background: Several epidemiology reports have shown high prevalence of gingivitis among adolescents and young individuals in Colombia. The Third Colombian Oral Health Study described how approximately 70 % of individuals 15-24 years had gingival bleeding. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an individualized oral hygiene program that uses social media to treat gingivitis on young university students from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: Thirty-eight students with gingivitis participated in a program that included: Individualized oral hygiene instruction, professional removal of plaque and calculus and, recall and support on oral hygiene through the use of social media. Evaluated clinical parameters included: plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment levels, these measured at baseline and at a follow-up examination four weeks later. Wilcoxon test was used. Results: Plaque accumulation was significantly reduced from 72.6 % to 29.6 %, similarly bleeding on probing was reduced, from 36.7 % to 13.8%, a slight reduction in probing depth and gain in attachment level was observed. Subjects reported an increased frequency for toothbrushing and use of dental floss. Conclusion: The program showed efficacy in the treatment of gingivitis, subjects were highly positive to the use of social media