Streptococci mutans Levels in Orthodontic Patients and their Parents

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of frequent oral hygiene instructions on Streptococci mutans (SM) levels in children undergoing orthodontic treatment as well as in their parents. Materials and Methods: Frequent oral hygiene instructions, dietary consultation, and fluoride application were given to 40 healthy children, aged 7-15 years (mean 10.93±2.78) undergoing orthodontic treatment and their accompanying parent. A questionnaire was used to obtain socioeconomic data and oral health behavior (having a dental home). Levels of SM were assessed using CRT kits. Children and parents were evaluated for this parameter at baseline, and 9 months into treatment. Based on the data obtained from the questionnaire, the population was divided into high and low socioeconomic status, and having (or not having) a dental home. Data were analyzed accordingly. Results: In the “dental home” group, at baseline according to the CRT kits, 59% of the children and 62% of the parents expressed high SM counts. At 9 months, high SM levels significantly increased to 79% of the treated children (p<0.05) while the percentage of high SM levels in their parents remained unchanged. In the “no dental home” group, at baseline, 73% of the children and 55% of the parents had high SM counts. At 9 months, the percentage of high SM levels in children remained unchanged while only 30% of their parents showed high SM counts (p<0.05). No significant differences were found among the various socioeconomic groups. Conclusions: Frequent oral hygiene instructions, during orthodontic treatment, did not prevent an increase in the percentage of children showing high SM counts irrespective to "dental home". However, parents in the “no dental home” seemed to benefit from the frequent instructions.

The CRT kits were kindly provided by Ivoclar Vivadent.