Assessment of effect of fixed orthodontic treatment on gingival health: An observational study

Aims: Evaluation of effect of fixed orthodontic treatment on gingival health. Materials & methods: 50 patients within the age group of 15 to 25 years who were scheduled to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the present study. Clinical examination of all the patients was carried out. Intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs were obtained and photographic records were noted in separate Performa. Presence or absence of gingival recession was recorded separately. All the results were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analysed by SPSS software. Results: Mean visible plaque score before and after treatment was 1.46 and 2.85 respectively. Mean visible inflammation value before and after treatment was 2.46 and 12.45 respectively. Significant degradation of gingival health was seen following fixed orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic treatment is associated with increase in plaque accumulation, inflammation and gingival recession