Application of a motivation-behavioral skills protocol in gingival lichen planus: a short-term study

J Periodontol. 2010 Oct;81(10):1449-54. doi: 10.1902/jop.2010.100245.

Abstract

Background: The main objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a motivation–behavioral skills protocol for plaque control in patients with gingival lichen planus.

Methods: A pre- and post-test descriptive clinical study was made of 40 consecutive white patients with gingival lichen planus: five males (12.5%) and 35 females (87.5%); mean age: 57 years. A motivation–behavioral skills protocol for oral hygiene was applied, with the determination of gingival scores (gingival index, plaque extension, and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs [CPITN]) and patient evaluation after 4 and 8 weeks.

Results: The clinical parameters in relation to the different forms of gingival lichen planus showed statistically significant improvements for gingival index, plaque extension, and CPITN (P <0.001) as determined 4 and 8 weeks after starting the program.

Conclusions: The application of an active prevention program in patients with gingival lichen planus is important because it offers benefits for periodontal health. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm the results obtained.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Dental Plaque / complications
  • Dental Plaque / prevention & control*
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Female
  • Gingivitis / complications
  • Gingivitis / pathology
  • Gingivitis / psychology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus / complications
  • Lichen Planus / drug therapy
  • Lichen Planus / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Oral Hygiene / statistics & numerical data*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Glucocorticoids