Oral Hygiene TIPPS is modelled on patient behaviour change strategies which have been shown to be effective at improving oral hygiene behaviour when carried out in primary care. A video which illustrates the use of this strategy is available.
This intervention is based on behavioural theory and aims to make patients feel more confident in their ability to perform effective plaque removal and help them plan how and when they will look after their teeth and gums. This may involve identifying a trigger which will remind patients to perform oral hygiene tasks, for example, to brush their teeth and to floss before going to bed. The intervention can be delivered by any suitably qualified member of the dental team and should be followed up and built upon at each return appointment.
Each session of advice will take several minutes to deliver, depending on the patient. It is important to gauge the level of understanding of the patient and adjust your communication style and method to suit them. The best way of delivering the advice is to include a ‘hands-on’ demonstration of plaque removal techniques and for the patient to practise in front of the clinician. However, it is important to ensure that you have the patient’s consent to proceed.