Effects of fixed and removable space maintainers on halitosis

BACKGROUND The current study evaluated the effects of fixed and removable space-maintainers on halitosis and oral health of children. METHODS Forty-three patients randomly selected between the ages 4-10 whom fixed or removable space maintainers were indicated in Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics. The inclusing criteria were: caries-free (with/without restorations), with absence of periodontal diseases, without systematic disease, no mouth breathing and no use of antibiotics the 2-months period before the study. The patients were subdivided into two groups: the group treated with fixed space maintainers (group 1, n = 27), the group treated with removable space maintainers (group 2, n = 16). The the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal screening index (PSI), tongue coating index (TCI) records and the halitosis measurements were obtained at three time periods (T1: immediately after application, T2: 1 week after application, T3: 5 weeks after application). The measurement values of T1 served as control. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found in the PI, GI, PSI, TCI and halitosis measurements between T1-T2, T2-T3 and T1-T3 in both appliance groups and between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The fixed and removable space maintainers did not affect oral health status and halitosis significantly.