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.