Consequence Of Motivational Interviewing on Oral Health Status of Children After Receiving Full Mouth Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia - Randomized Controlled Interventional Trial

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common in children and often requires full mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) under general anesthesia in severe cases. Although FMDR effectively restores oral health, recurrence of caries is common due to persistent unfavorable oral hygiene and dietary practices. Motivational interviewing (MI), a patient-centered behavioral counseling approach, may improve parental motivation and promote sustained oral health practices in children.

Subjects and Methods: This randomized controlled interventional trial was conducted among 20 children aged 3–6 years diagnosed with ECC and requiring FMDR under general anesthesia. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: control group and intervention group. Oral hygiene status, parental knowledge, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed at baseline, 3,6 months.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in oral hygiene status, parental knowledge, and quality of life over the follow-up period (p < 0.05). The intervention group demonstrated slightly better improvement in oral hygiene and more consistent enhancement in parental knowledge and OHRQoL compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Motivational interviewing appears to be an effective adjunct to conventional oral health education in children undergoing FMDR under general anesthesia. It promotes improved parental knowledge, supports positive behavioral changes, and may enhance long-term oral health outcomes and quality of life.