Effect of oral hygiene training on the plaque control in patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances

Introduction. During orthodontic treatment, there is increased risk of periodontal disease and caries. Therefore these patients must be trained to maintain proper oral hygiene to minimize risks. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of oral hygiene training with different devices as well as a motivation and remotivation in oral hygiene using brochures, verbal methods and tablets for plaque identification. Material and Methods. The study included 80 subjects, both genders, divided in control (20) and experimental groups (60). All examinees in the experimental groups used toothbrush Curaprox CP5460 for oral hygiene. Subjects in experimental group 1 used mouthwash Curasept ADS 205, in the experimental group 2 orthodontic toothbrush CD Ortho 60 and proximal toothbrush Curaprox CPS14 while subjects in experimental group 3 used proximal toothbrush Curaprox CPS14 and mouthwash Curasept ADS 205. All participants were given tablets erythrosine and brochure in which was explained and illustrated the use of the aforementioned means for oral hygiene. Control check ups were conducted at the beginning, after the first, third and sixth month of the preventive program. Results. The values of the examined parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI), in experimental groups were significantly lower compared to control group (p<0.05). Conclusion. Motivation, compliance and implementation of all preventive procedures proposed by this program, as well as regular controls, contributed in maintaining gingival health during orthodontic treatment.