Oral Hygiene Awareness and Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on Periodontal Health among Medical Students.

Background: Orthodontic treatment helps in improving aesthetics, oral hygiene as well as functional occlusion. Also, importance of oral hygiene in orthodontic patients is always intensified to prevent any further periodontal disease. Regular oral hygiene maintenance is important for the maintenance of gingival health during and after orthodontic therapy as it helps in preservation ofthe health of gingiva as well as overall oral health. Objective: To assess the extent of oral hygiene awareness and impact of orthodontic treatment on of periodontal health, among medical students. Method: A cross sectional survey containing 19 questions was answered by 150 medical students who had undergone fixed Orthodontic treatment from various colleges in Mangalore, Karnataka. Results and Conclusion: The results of this survey showed that medical students have adequate knowledge of oral hygiene practices. Majority of medical students who had undergone orthodontic treatment showed increased bleeding from gums, increased sensitivity and difficulty in brushing and flossing indicating that orthodontic treatment does have impact on maintenance of oral hygiene. Thus, a thorough assessment of the periodontal health is recommended prior to orthodontic treatment. Equal emphasis should also be laid on the necessity of good oral hygiene and regular periodontal maintenance for the best outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]