A multi-centre randomised clinical trial of oral hygiene interventions following strokeA 6-month trial

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important following stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two oral health promotion (OHP) programmes to reduce dental plaque levels following stroke. A multi-centre randomised clinical control trial was conducted among patients hospitalised following stroke in Malaysia. Patients were randomly allocated to two OHP groups: (i) control group who received the conventional method for plaque controldaily manual tooth brushing with a standardised commercial toothpaste, (ii) test groupwho received an intense method for plaque controldaily powered tooth brushing with 1% Chlorhexidine gel. Oral health assessments were performed at baseline, at 3months and 6months post-intervention. Within- and between-group changes in dental plaque were assessed over time. Regression analyses were conducted on dental plaque levels at 6months controlling for OHP group, medical, dental and socio-demographic status. The retention rate was 62.7% (54 of 86 subjects). Significant within-group changes of dental plaque levels were evident among the test group (P<.001) and the control group (P<.001). No significant between-group changes of dental plaque levels were apparent (P>.05). Regression analyses identified that baseline plaque levels (adjusted ss=0.79, P<.001) and baseline functional dependency level (adjusted ss=-0.34, P<.05) were associated with dental plaques levels at the end of the trial (6months). Both, Conventional and Intense oral health promotion programmes may successfully reduce dental plaque during stroke rehabilitation and are of comparable effectiveness. Baseline dental plaque levels and functional dependency level were key factors associated with dental plaque levels at follow-up at 6months.