Oral Hygiene Evaluation Of The Patients Before Orthodontic Treatment

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether post graduate students were paying enough attention or not to oral hygiene levels of orthodotic patients. Material and Method: 250 patients records who have completed fixed orthodontic treatment carried out by postgraduate students at the Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics were included in the study. Intraoral photographs were analyzed and presence or absence of visible plaque, visible inflammation from mesial, buccal and distal surface of each tooth (except 2nd and 3rd molars) and gingival recession from buccal surface of each tooth (except 2nd and 3rd molars) were recorded. The percentage of sites presenting plaque and inflammation were calculated and these parameters were divided into five groups as 0, %0-≤%10, %10-≤20, %20-≤30 and %30. Results: 177 girls and 73 boys included in the study. The average chronological age of the patients was 13,37±2,06 years. Visible plaque was determined at 72 (% 28,8) patients and visible inflammation was determined at 70 (% 28) patients. Gingival recession was determined at 27 (%0,45) teet of 19( %7,6) patients. Conclusion: Results of the study supported the hypothesis that oral hygiene can be neglected before orthodontic treatment and more attention should be payed to periodontal health.