Caries incidence and oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
One hundred and seventy‐three individuals receiving orthodontic full band treatment in one or both dental arches were examined in order to assess the relationship between caries incidence and oral hygiene during treatment. Thorough instruction in toothbrushing with a horizontal scrub technique was given. Topical application of sodium fluoride was used regularly throughout the experimental period. The average period of treatment was 19 months. Monthly assessments of oral hygiene were performed through partial recordings utilizing the Plaque (PII) and Gingival Index (GI) systems. Smooth surface carious lesions on vestibular and lingual surfaces of banded teeth were assessed according to a proposed Caries Index (CI) at the time of removal of the orthodontic appliances. The results demonstrated a definite correlation between oral health and caries incidence. With increasing mean PII and GI scores, there were concomitant, almost linear increases in mean CI scores. On an average, the girls had lower PII, GI, and CI scores than boys. The correlations between caries incidence and age, duration of treatment, and initial caries experience were not significant.

This publication has 12 references indexed in Scilit: