Assessment of a printed education material for patients undergoing periodontal treatment: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of printed educational material (PEM) as an aid in promoting the oral health of patients undergoing periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conducting a randomized pilot clinical trial with 20 individuals diagnosed with gingivitis. Patients with at least 30% of visible plaque and 30% of gingival bleeding were included. On the first day of treatment, all patients received instruction, training and motivation for oral hygiene, and answered a test of knowledge about periodontal diseases. Ten participants were randomized for each group. After, the test group received an PEM at the end of the first consultation. After 4 to 5 weeks, clinical examination and knowledge test were repeated. The clinical examination was performed by a blind examiner. Significant increase in the number of “right” questions and significant reduction in the number of “I don’t know” answers in the test group, compared to the control group (P <0.001). The test group showed significantly lower ISG (30.5%; 95% CI: 25.29 – 35.62), compared to the control group (46.8%; 95% CI: 41.63 – 51.96; P <0.001). There were no losses in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: the previously validated MEI proved to be effective for improving knowledge and the clinical condition of patients undergoing gingivitis treatment. Patients with at least 30% of visible plaque and 30% of gingival bleeding were included. This study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, under number RBR-8nc8t9y.