Dental Caries and Plaque Accumulation in Patients Undergoing Removable Orthodontic Treatment: An Epidemiologic Study

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and plaque in patients undergoing removable orthodontic treatment.

In this cross-sectional study, 57 patients were selected and examined for dental caries (clinically and radiographically) and plaque (O’Leary Index) on permanent and primary teeth. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher at the significance level of 0.05.

The prevalence of dental caries in participants was 21.2%. The proximal surfaces were more commonly decayed. The most prevalent state of caries in permanent and primary teeth was incipient and advanced, respectively. The relation between dental caries and age was significant. (P<0.001) The most frequent teeth with dental caries were first molars in permanent and primary teeth. (P<0.001) Plaque accumulation in permanent teeth was 68.59% and in primary teeth was 61.24%. Labial surfaces had dental plaque more commonly. The most frequent teeth with dental plaque were incisors in permanent and primary teeth. (P<0.001)

Dentists should make the necessary recommendations to the patients so they can maintain good oral hygiene during their orthodontic treatment.