Oral Hygiene Evaluation in Orthodontic Practice

This study was performed to evaluate oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. 140 patient (75 females and 65 Males) were selected from Marmara University, Department of orthodontics, undergoing active orthodontic treatment with segmental or full arch appliances under the following phases, i.e., leveling, canine retraction, consolidation and last stage. The patients were divided into 3 major age groups; 13-16 years, 17-20 years and 21-24 years, respectively. In the 1st group the male female ratio was 21:20, 2nd group ratio was 22:27, and the 3rd group ratio was 22:20. The patients were provided with a questionnaire concerning diet intake, general brushing habits, frequency of brushing and oral hygiene procedures. The gingival index, frequency distribution, bleeding index, ortho-plaque index, periodontal pocket depth and periodontal pocket depth frequency distribution was calculated for each patient. The results showed that both the sexes practiced good oral hygiene procedures. However, females showed more oral hygiene awareness as compared to their male counterparts. Gingival index values presented mild to moderate inflammation. Frequency distribution presented that half of the patients were showing bad gingival conditions. The periodontal pocket depth values were in normal range, but when considering deep pockets, their percentage exhibited that half of the sites had deeper pockets. Plaque index showed fair or average oral hygiene. It was concluded that oral hygiene procedures have a mild to insignificant effect during active orthodontic treatment.