The present study investigated the relationship between self-efficacy variables, on one side, and plaque accumulation plus oral hygiene behavior reports, on the other. 94 participants had their levels of plaque measured. Afterwards they answered a questionnaire to assess socio-demographics and oral hygiene (OH) behaviors plus self-efficacy (SE) scales. The results indicated that perceived SE correlated significantly with frequency of brushing (rho=0,024, p=0,014) and dental floss (rho=0,40, p<0,0001).However, perceived SE did not correlate significantly with plaque. Self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) did not associate significantly with plaque or with OH behavior reports. The low associations between SE variables and plaque are discussed. In addition, possible explanations concerning the low correlations between SRE and OH behavior reports are debated.
self-efficacy; dental plaque accumulation; oral hygiene; oral health
