Navigating Periodontal Health During Orthodontic Care: Insights Into Patient Knowledge and Practices

Abstract

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic appliances provide additional niches for biofilm buildup, resulting in increased plaque accumulation and microbial shifts toward cariogenic and periodontopathogenic species. This predisposes patients to enamel demineralization, gingival inflammation, and potential periodontal damage. Patient knowledge and awareness are crucial in preventing these risks; however, studies reveal a persistent gap between awareness and effective oral hygiene practices, emphasizing the need for continuous education and reinforcement.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of oral hygiene and periodontal health among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and to assess their self-reported periodontal changes during therapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 115 patients (aged 14–50 years) undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at Sri Siddhartha Dental College, Tumakuru, Karnataka. Data were collected using a validated Google Forms questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. Descriptive statistics assessed knowledge, awareness, and perceived periodontal effects, while chi-square tests evaluated associations between demographics and awareness. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Nearly all participants (99.1%) used a toothbrush and toothpaste, with 60% brushing twice daily. However, 43.5% brushed for less than three minutes, and 59.1% used regular instead of orthodontic brushes. While 88.7% recognized the importance of oral hygiene, only 60% accurately identified plaque as a soft deposit, and 26.1% were uncertain about its effects. Periodontal changes during treatment included gingival bleeding (22.6%), gingival margin shifts (22.6%), halitosis (31.3%), and gingival irritation (40.9%).

Conclusions: Orthodontic patients showed moderate awareness of oral hygiene and periodontal health; however, notable gaps remained between knowledge and practice.