The Effect of an Educational/ Preventive Program on Adolescents Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Clinical Study

Aim: To evaluate the effect of educational/preventive measures in adolescents who wore fixed orthodontic appliances. Study Design: Prospective, controlled, and randomized clinical study. Place and Duration of Study: The adolescents were evaluated in a private dental clinic in the city of Ibiporã - PR for 12 weeks in 2015. Methodology: A randomized design, with records of plaque, gingival and bleeding indices. In total 40 adolescent patients, with an average age of 14 years, of both genders were selected at a private orthodontic clinic. Mechanical biofilm control was performed and oral hygiene kits were distributed. Clinical evaluations were made at the beginning of the study (baseline) and at time intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days, in a total of 12 weeks. Means of indices were compared throughout the study period. Among the educational/preventive measures used were photograph albums, verbal oral hygiene guidance and disclosing of dental plaque. Records were made of the participants’ oral hygiene habits. Results: The girls presented a higher dental plaque reduction value of 30.8% whereas the boys presented 25.3%. The plaque index showed significant reduction in the initial evaluation (baseline) and in the following re-evaluations at 30, 60 and 90 days. Conclusion: The educational/preventive measures used were shown to be effective, in view of the significant reduction in gingival inflammation and dental plaque indices, with improvement in the oral health of adolescents who wore fixed orthodontic appliances.