Evaluation of Changes in Cariogenic Bacteria in a Young Moroccan Population with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

Abstract

Fixed orthodontic appliances hinder the maintenance of proper oral hygiene and result in dental plaque accumulation. Many studies report that qualitative changes in the dental flora occur after initiating the orthodontic treatment, but there is a paucity of literature on the same topic among Moroccan orthodontic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of the oral microbial flora during the orthodontic treatment period of a young Moroccan population. Materials and Methods. Dental plaque samples of 18 patients, who were randomly selected before the placement of orthodontic appliances, were collected to isolate and identify the bacterial species involved using classical bacteriological methods for species' culture and identification. The reading was recorded at T0 before placement of the device. New samples were taken again one month later and then three months afterwards, where the readings were recorded as T1 and T2, respectively. The culture was made via Columbia Agar with 5% sheep blood, Todd Hewitt Broth, and Schaedler medium containing vitamin K3. Bacterial species were identified using API-20 Strep for Streptococci and API-20 A for anaerobic bacteria. The phoenix system was used for identification. Results. After three months of orthodontic treatment, the increase in the frequency of Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mitis were significant (0.01 and 0.02, respectively) as well as for Lactobacillus (0.03). No significant difference was recorded for other bacterial species. Conclusion. There is a significant qualitative change in oral microorganisms after three months of orthodontic treatment, especially for bacteria that are incriminated in caries formation.

Comparison Of Periodontal Health Of Orthodontic And Non-Orthodontic Patients

“…Excessive bleeding and inflammation worsen the periodontal health resulting in surveillance of noticeable raise in plaque and gingival index of test group. Three months after placement of fixed appliances there was foremost augment in clinical and microbial characteristics, comparable outcomes shown by Marda et al 17 Undoubtedly, the CPITN score of orthodontic and non orthodontic groups were contradicting, admitting the fact that score for group using interdental brush were lower as compared to the ones not using brushing. Since orthodontic appliances placement hinder maintenance of proper oral hygiene causing deposition of plaque leading to increase in pocket depth, which directly contributes to increase in CPITN score and the same observation reported by Nasir et al 18 As reported by Angelina et al, 19 the most affected area periodontally in orthodontic patient is the interdental area which agrees with the observation of this study.…”

A double-blind randomized clinical trial of Brazilian red propolis dentifrice efficacy in orthodontic patients

“…The use of orthodontic appliances increases the risk of developing caries and gingivitis, as these devices retain plaque and both conditions are bio- film-dependent. Several authors have reported that the use of orthodontic appliances causes an increase in the count of cariogenic microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus species [3,6,19,20]. Therefore, the present study was carried out using participants undergoing orthodontic treatment who had gingivitis and visible plaque at the baseline in order to justify the use of an antimicrobial toothpaste.…”

Dentists` Awareness of white spot lesions during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances

“…All this predisposes to decrease the pH in the dental biofilm and in the presence of carbohydrates in patient`s diet, a physical barrier is formed that disturbs remineralization with the calcium and phosphate ions from the saliva (7,8). All these changes in the oral ecosystem help to increase the levels of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp., mainly around the adhesives that fix the orthodontic appliances (9).…”