The objectives are a) to determine the scores of general self-efficacy (GSE) and oral hygiene related self-efficacy (OHSE) b) to evaluate the relations between the scores of GSE and OHSE c) to examine the changes in OHSE scores and the relationship between OHSE and PI scores after motivation and oral hygiene instructions. OHSE scores could be an indicator in predicting daily plaque control of patients. Also, it may be needed to show greater interest about motivation and oral hygiene instructions especially for smokers and OHSE-low group patients.

All study patients (n=210) between the ages of 35 to 60 with inflammatory periodontal diseases filled out questionnaires regarding GSE and OHSE. Subgroups including OHSE-low (n=26) and OHSE-high (n=26) groups were selected after performing "cut off" on OHSE scores of all study patients. In both subgroups, plaque index (PI) values were determined, and motivation and oral hygiene instructions were performed at baseline. PI measurements and OHSE questionnaire were repeated at 1 and 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria were being able to brushing and interdental cleaning physically and mentally, between the ages of 35 and 60, graduated from high school or university, having at least 12 teeth, no periodontal treatment in the last 6 months, no periodontal surgery in the last 2 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with one or more of the following criteria were excluded from the study: patients having hepatitis or HIV infectious disease, pregnant and lactating females, patients taking drugs that may cause gingival bleeding and gingival enlargement, and bleeding problems (thrombocytopenia, hemophilia A-B, iron deficiency anemia etc.).

Gingivitis and periodontitis patients