Oral hygiene habits and status of orthodontic patients attending the University of Pretoria, Oral and Dental Hospital

Most orthodontic patients struggle to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. To determine habits and status of undergoing fixed treatment at University Pretoria, Oral Dental Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study. modified, validated, self-administered questionnaire was used, clinical examinations were conducted using Orthodontic Plaque Index, Gingival index, Bleeding index. The sought knowledge practice patterns. Data analysis included frequencies correlations chi-square test, with a significance p<0.05.Fifty participated 34(68%) being female ages from 10 28 mean 18,5. Seventy percent avoided sticky foodstuff, 74% used mouthwash, 56% flossed daily 84% brushed twice daily. However, 82% consumed sugar containing drinks. Clinical exam revealed an Index 2.6, 0.1 while the 13.3 90% had normal gingiva. There significant difference in score between age category 10-19 18-24 (p< 0.05). This study satisfactory among institution majority maintaining practices. sweetened beverages.