This approach consisted of a 15-minute session in which the dentist attempted to impart knowledge about oral hygiene in general, highlighting some of the most common situations in this age group, namely the difficulty in achieving correct brushing and flossing, demonstrating the correct technique on a typodont (model), and alerting them to the importance of oral health to general health. Periodontal disease, tooth decay and denture care were also covered in general terms. Participants were given a written explanatory guide to reinforce good oral hygiene habits and an explanation of these diseases or conditions. Appropriate oral hygiene tools were also provided to encourage the expected improvement in oral health. Finally, there was a question-and-answer session to clarify any doubts the participant might have.

This approach began with a self-examination in an extra-oral mirror by the participant to allow the professional to understand participant's perception of oral health, and the use of a plaque-disclosing solution to allow the participant to be more sensitive to the areas where brushing and flossing were not effective. Conditions such as caries lesions, major gingival recessions, areas of greater inflammation, areas where plaque accumulation or even tartar was more visible and further denture care were highlighted. The typodont (model) was then used to demonstrate the correct brushing and flossing technique. The session ended with the participant receiving an explanatory guide, a personalized plan, and more appropriate tools to promote the expected improvement in oral health. A question-and-answer session was used to clarify any doubts. This method took about approximately 20 minutes.

Oral health instruction focused more broadly on the different topics of oral diseases and oral hygiene care.

Assessment of toothbrushing frequency (<2x/day or ≥ 2x/day)

Assessment of dental floss or interdental brushes usage (yes/no)

Assessment of daily denture cleaning (yes/no)

Assess whether participants sleep with their dentures in (yes/no)

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S) (Greene & Vermillion, 1964). The six surfaces examined for the OHI-S are selected from four posterior and two anterior teeth. For posterior teeth, the buccal surfaces of the selected upper molars (usually 16 and 26) and the lingual surfaces of the selected lower molars (usually 36 or 46) are examined. For the incisors, the labial surfaces of the upper right central incisor (11) and the lower left central incisor (31) are evaluated.

A score from 0 to 3 was then recorded for each surface, according to the classification for each index (debris or calculus). For each participant, the debris or calculus index was obtained by summing the scores and dividing by the number of surfaces scored.

The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index is the sum of the Debris Index and the Calculus Index and can range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating poorer oral hygiene.

Assessment of participants' treatment needs (yes/no)

Assess the participants' perception of oral health (poor/good)

Assessment of dry mouth perception (yes/no)