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Introduction: Orthodontic treatment can alter the oral environment, leading to plaque accumulation and changes in microbial colonization. This study aimed to assess microbiological changes in 10 to 16-year-old children undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methodology: The study included children aged 10–16 years, with one group wearing fixed orthodontic appliances and a control group without brackets. Data on salivary pH, buffer capacity, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus spp were collected at baseline and after 6 months. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between orthodontic treatment and elevated bacterial levels, adjusting for age, gender, pH, and buffer capacity. Results: Wearing fixed orthodontic appliances was significantly associated with elevated Streptococcus mutans (aOR: 6.62, 95% CI: 1.91–21.88) and Lactobacillus spp (aOR: 9.49, 95% CI: 2.57–35.07). Gender showed a significant association with Lactobacillus spp levels (aOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.87). Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic appliances significantly impact oral microbial changes, underscoring the need for proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment to reduce dental caries risk.

Background Actions that are repetitive and being practiced automatically are called habits. Oral habits can be classified as normal or deleterious. Oral health education starts from footprints of awareness. Growing children require appropriate guidance for healthy growth and maintenance of their teeth, which makes the parent an active participant in the prevention and treatment of malocclusion and thus is majorly affected by their knowledge and attitude regarding various deleterious oral habits and habit breaking appliances. Aim To assess and compare awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliance, among parents at Alkharj Saudi Arabia. Methodology Study assessed awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliances among parents in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Results Conclusion Majority of the parents were aware of different deleterious oral habits but not aware of the dimensions of interventions like types of appliances, duration of use, etc. without knowing mentioned facts, in future which leads to development of malocclusion which probably requires orthodontic, surgical or prosthetic intervention correcting the outcomes of oral deleterious habits.

Background Actions that are repetitive and being practiced automatically are called habits. Oral habits can be classified as normal or deleterious. Oral health education starts from footprints of awareness. Growing children require appropriate guidance for healthy growth and maintenance of their teeth, which makes the parent an active participant in the prevention and treatment of malocclusion and thus is majorly affected by their knowledge and attitude regarding various deleterious oral habits and habit breaking appliances. Aim To assess and compare awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliance, among parents at Alkharj Saudi Arabia. Methodology Study assessed awareness of deleterious oral habits and knowledge of habit breaking appliances among parents in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Results Conclusion Majority of the parents were aware of different deleterious oral habits but not aware of the dimensions of interventions like types of appliances, duration of use, etc. without knowing mentioned facts, in future which leads to development of malocclusion which probably requires orthodontic, surgical or prosthetic intervention correcting the outcomes of oral deleterious habits.