Oral hygiene-related self-efficacy as a predictor of oral hygiene behaviour: a prospective cohort study

Aim The aim of this study was to assess whether oral hygiene-related self-efficacy is correlated with current oral hygiene and might influence the outcome of oral hygiene instruction. Materials and Methods Hundred and twenty-six patients filled out questionnaires about oral hygiene-related self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, oral hygiene-related knowledge and demographic variables. Plaque and gingival inflammation were measured and an individual oral hygiene plan was conducted. After 6 months, oral hygiene indices were assessed again. Results Women had significantly higher scores in oral hygiene-related self-efficacy than men (women mean 60.40 ± 9.41; men mean 56.04 ± 11.55; p = 0.039) and oral hygiene-related self-efficacy was significantly correlated with general self-efficacy independent from the age of the patients (r = 0.3114, p = 0.0004). Higher scores in oral hygiene-related self-efficacy were significantly correlated with lower scores of gingival bleeding for non-smoking patients (r = −0.301, p = 0.0066), usage of a professional tooth cleaning within these 6 months (p = 0.0406), reappearance to the follow-up appointment (p = 0.0303), and higher goals in inter-dental cleaning plans (p = 0.0189). Conclusion Oral hygiene-related self-efficacy is an influencing factor in the oral hygiene behaviour and has the potential to predict patients’ oral hygiene outcomes.