Comparative Evaluation of the Erosive Potential of Commonly Used Beverages and Medicated Syrup- an in Vitro Study

Objective: The purpose of the study is to assess and compare the plaque and gingival status among dental students undergoing orthodontic treatment with that of non-orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 64 dental students. The 64 students were divided into three groups, Group 1 subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment, Group 2 subjects having malocclusion but not having orthodontic treatment and Group 3 subjects having ideal occlusion. The details of oral hygiene measures were obtained through direct personal interview. The plaque and gingival status was assessed by using Silness and Loe Plaque index and Loe and Silness Gingival index respectively. The results were analyzed statistically at 5% level of significance. Results: The oral hygiene practices among all the groups were satisfactory. The plaque status varies from mild to moderate level, while all the subjects have mild gingivitis. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.001) when the mean plaque and gingival scores among the groups were compared. The mean plaque and gingival score were low in the subjects belonging to Group 3. Conclusion: Plaque retention and gingivitis were significantly higher in the subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment. Hence proper plaque control measures are strongly recommended to all the orthodontic patients before, during and following orthodontic treatment, to ensure the best possible results.