Oral hygiene status of orthodontic patients using hyrax expander

Abstract

Introduction: Oral hygiene mantainenece is paramount alongside Orthodontic treatment. In Pakistan, oral hygiene awareness is inadequate and measures must be taken to improve it for decreasing the load on tertiary care facilities. Hence the aim of the present study was to determine oral hygiene status of orthodontic patients requiring hyrax expander as part of their treatment reporting to Orthodontics Department, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 patients (14 males and 16 females) of age ranging between 8 and 14 years. Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-s) by Green and Vermilion¹¹was used to calculate plaque values before insertion of hyrax, after one month of insertion and after three months of insertion of hyrax expander. Six index teeth were selected that included four posterior teeth and two anterior teeth. Buccal surface of maxillary first permanent molars, maxillary right central incisor, mandibular left central incisor and lingual surface of mandibular first permanent molars was examined for the presence of plaque. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Sample included 30 patients (11.9+1.37 years). Mean score of OHI-s increased as treatment progressed with eventual adverse effects on periodontal health. The changes in the mean OHI-s score between the study months changed statistically significantly (p<0.05) that showed significant change in the oral hygiene of patients after one month of hyrax insertion. Difference between male and female OHI-S score was insignificant with P>0.05.

Conclusions: Oral hygiene of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with hyrax expander deteriorates with time and measures must be taken to take this effect in account when planning this kind of treatment.