Periodontal tissue status in children undergoing orthodontic treatment

Relevance. Orthodontic treatment is in high demand in contemporary clinical practice, particularly during periods of active growth in children. However, it is often complicated by inadequate oral hygiene and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Excessive plaque accumulation on orthodontic appliances promotes colonization by periodontal pathogens, thereby sustaining the inflammatory response.

Materials and methods. Thirty children undergoing orthodontic treatment were examined and stratified into the following age groups: 6–12, 12–14, and 17–18 years. Oral hygiene indices and periodontal tissue status were assessed, and the microbiological composition of oral fluid was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results. Children aged 6–12 years showed a significantly higher prevalence of red complex periodontal pathogens and a significantly greater degree of periodontal the older age groups (p < 0.05). In adolescents aged 12–14 years, microbial pathogenicity was lower; however, indexbased assessment indicated a moderate degree of periodontal inflammation and a need for professional oral hygiene measures. Patients aged 17–18 years demonstrated significantly more favorable periodontal tissue parameters than the younger age groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Orthodontic treatment in children is associated with periodontal inflammation, excessive plaque accumulation, and elevated levels of periodontal pathogens and Candida spp. in oral fluid. Periodontal tissue status improves with age, and the signs of gingival inflammation become less pronounced.

1. Gromova S.N., Medvedeva M.S., Kaysina T.N., Gromova O.A., Kreneva V.A., Ryabova O.Sh., et al. Epidemiological status of children in Kirov in 2022 according to WHO criteria (2013). Medical newsletter of Vyatka. 2023;4(80):69-73 (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.24412/2220-7880-2023-4-69-73

2. Petersen P.E., Kuzmina E.M.The burden of oral disease and risks to oral health – major challenges in public health. Dental forum. 2017;(1):2-11 (In Russ.): Available from: https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=29823998

3. Gazhva S.I., Krasnokutskaya N.S., Kasumov R.S. Epidemiological aspects and clinical results of orthodontic treatment of children from 7 to 12 years old. Medical & pharmaceutical journal “Pulsе”. 2021;23(3):66-73 (In Russ.). http://dx.doi.org/10.26787/nydha-2686-6838-2021-23-3-66-73.

4. Modina T.N., Mamaeva E.V., Lopatkina O.I. Periodontal pathology and functional condition of teenagers body. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2006;5(1-2):78-84 (In Russ.). Available from: https://elibrary.ru/download/elibrary_9286853_79070718.pdf

5. Gorobets S.M., Sysoev S.N., Gorobets O.V. Condition of periodontal tissues in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. Stomatology. 2015;94(6):55 55 (In Russ.). Available from: https://www.mediasphera.ru/issues/stomatologiya/2015/6/downloads/ru/000039-173520150615

6. Koledaeva E.V., Kozvonin V.A., Koledaeva A.K., Zhukova E.D. Influence of antioxidant activity and oral fluid acidity on the vegetation of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Medical newsletter of Vyatka. 2021;1(69):73-76 (In Russ.). http://dx.doi.org/10.24411/2220-7880-2021-10156

7. Ulitovsky S.B., Alekseeva E.S., Leontyev A.A., Shevtsov A.V. Factors affecting dental status of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with bracket systems. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2020;20(2):143-149 (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.33925/1683-3031-2020-20-2-143-149

8. Kiyun ID. Assessment of periodontal tissue condition in orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with braces using periodontal indices. Molodoj uchenyj. 2021;25(367):45-49 (In Russ.). Available from: https://moluch.ru/archive/367/82474

9. Inchingolo F, Inchingolo AM, Latini G, Ferrante L, Trilli I, Del Vecchio G, et al. Oxidative Stress and Natural Products in Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023;16(1):113. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16010113

10. Socransky SS. Criteria for the infectious agents in dental caries and periodontal disease. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 1979;6(7):16–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051x.1979.tb02114.x