Overcoming behavioral obstacles to prevent periodontal disease: Behavioral change techniques and self-performed periodontal infection control

It is well established that periodontal infection control, by means of adequate oral hygiene such as daily toothbrushing and interdental cleaning, is essential for prevention of periodontal disease. Evidence suggests that oral health behavioral intervention is more effective if based on a theoretic framework that includes behavioral change techniques based on goals and planning and on feedback and monitoring. This review focuses on factors that influence behavioral changes in oral hygiene measures (both obstacles and facilitators) and a person-centered approach to treatment planning and communication with patients. A person-centered model of oral hygiene is presented that can be integrated into periodontal treatment using different behavioral techniques.