An exploratory study into whether self-monitoring improves adherence to daily flossing among dental patients.

Objectives: This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an action-control behavioral intervention on adherence to dental flossing in patients with periodontal disease. Action control, that is, monitoring one's behavior and evaluating it against a self-set standard, has been suggested as a self-regulatory strategy that can assist people who intend to engage in behavioral change.

Methods: In a single-center, single-blind prospective trial, 73 dental patients received a behavioral intervention, which was either matched or mismatched to their stage of behavioral change.