CAN HONEY BE A POSSIBLE CURE FOR REDUCED ORTHODONTIC TOOTH MOVEMENT OWING TO STRESS ?: AN ANIMAL STUDY

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the differences in rate of tooth movement between psychologically stressed rats and stressed rats consuming honey after 1 week of orthodontic force application in a rat model.
Methods: Group A (PS ) and Group B (PSH) rats were exposed to stressful and crowded environment in smaller cages. A cloth impregnated with cat smell (stress stimulus) was kept in the corner of the cage for 20 days prior to the application of mechanical forces.
Group C (Control) rats were kept in less crowded environment in wider cages and exposed to clean but similar cloth for same number of days.
After 20 days the animals were ready for orthodontic forces.
1. GA was induced. Distance btw mesial pits of 1st and 2nd molar was measured at day 0.
2. Close coil spring was placed with laceback wire and dental drill btw maxillary incisors and 1st molar.
3. OTM (mesialization)of 1st molar was done for 7days.
4. The rats in PSH group were given honey orally daily at rate of 0.5ml/100g.
5. Rats were sacrificed on 8th day.
6. OTM was measured using digital Vernier calipers.
Results: It shows that there is decrease in tooth movement in psychologically stressed rats group and the trend increases in the group consuming HONEY.
Conclusions: From the study it can be concluded that honey can be used by orthodontic patients on regular basis as it can help to reduce their stress levels and hence help in reducing orthodontic treatment time.