Strategies for Incorporating Antimicrobial Mouthrinses into Daily Oral Care

Abstract

Overview. A cost-effective way of improving patient outcomes is adopting preventive practices known to be effective. As “front-line” providers of dental health services and information, dental hygienists are an important catalyst for the implementation of evidence-based preventive practices - such as the twice-daily use of antimicrobial mouthrinses - in the self-care routines of patients. However, encouraging patients to adopt new behaviors can present a challenge: providers may be uncomfortable with recommending new behaviors and patients may be resistant to learning new skills. As expert clinicians, educators, and counselors, dental hygienists are in an excellent position to help patients make changes and learn new behaviors.

Clinical Implications. This article discusses practical methods for promoting change. Targeting interventions to individual patient values, stage of readiness to change, and skill set encourages patient incorporation of new behaviors. Time should be allotted for supervised practice of new skills, and patients should be supported in planning for effective and lasting behavior change. Through effective communication, skills teaching, and use of follow-up, dental hygienists can help patients adopt healthy behaviors.