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The effectiveness of non-dominant hand in performing oral hygiene care
Normaliza Ab Malik1, Aws Hashim Ali Al-Khadim12, Muhammad Syafiq Alauddin3, Siti Nur Farhanah Mohd Desa4, Azlan Jaafar5.
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dental plaque removal and to determine factors that could influence its efficacy when using the non-dominant hand. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was per- formed on a group of dental students. Dominant hands were determined using Edinburg Handedness Inventory ques- tionnaire, and the dental plaque scores were examined using Quigley-Hein (Turesky) index. All of the participants were examined twice for dental plaque index scores. Data obtained was analyzed using a paired t-test and an inde- pendent t-test. Factors which influenced the dental plaque removal were listed and categorized accordingly. Results: A total of 62 dental undergraduates participated in the study. A high percentage of them, (71%, n = 44) were found to be right-handed. There was a significant increase in the dental plaque score for the left-handed participants, from baseline (use of the dominant hand) to follow-up appointment (after brushing their teeth with non-dominant hands) (p< 0.01). A significant change was found between the right- and left-handed participants in the first quadrant of the buccal side (p<0.05). Factors identified to be beneficial in dental plaque control were; using a mirror while brush- ing, extending brushing time, increasing brushing frequency, using additional tooth aids and powered toothbrushes. Conclusions: This study revealed that left-handed participants have less ability to remove dental plaque with their non-dominant hands. The right-handed participants, showed better controls in plaque removal with their non-dom- inant hands, compared to their left-handed peers on the buccal side of the first quadrant.
Affiliation:
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
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Indexation |
Indexed by |
MyJurnal (2021) |
H-Index
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3 |
Immediacy Index
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0.000 |
Rank |
0 |
Indexed by |
Scopus 2020 |
Impact Factor
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CiteScore (0.2) |
Rank |
Q4 (Medicine (all)) |
Additional Information |
SJR (0.144) |
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