Goal-setting, planning and self-monitoring (GPS) for gum disease

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomised to one of three groups using a random digit generator. Treatment as usual group: Patients receive a standard routine consultation Risk communication group: Patients receive their standard routine consultation but they are also shown information about their gum disease risk score, that has been calculated using Previser, a software package that works out risk of periodontal disease. GPS group: Patients receive the intervention described in Arm 2 but they are also instructed to form a goal on how they will brush and floss in the near future, along with a brushing and flossing diary that they are asked to keep until their follow up visit. Participants in all groups are followed up after 4 and 12 weeks. Follow up involves measuring plaque and bleeding scores as well and self‐reported brushing, flossing and thoughts about periodontal disease. CONDITION: Periodontal disease ; Oral Health ; Periodontal disease PRIMARY OUTCOME: Plaque and bleeding are measured using standard plaque and bleeding scores at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks post intervention. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Thoughts about periodontal disease are measured using a self‐report questionnaire designed for this study at baseline and 12 weeks; 2. Brushing and interdental cleaning are measured using a self‐report questionnaire designed for this study at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks; 3. Pocket depth is measured in mm using dental probing at baseline and 12 weeks INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 18 years or over 2. Previously been assessed by their treating dentist as having moderate or poor oral hygiene