Effect of Periodontal Scaling in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment on General Oral and Periodontal Health

Background: Orthodontic treatments, while improving dental alignment and facial aesthetics, significantly complicate oral hygiene management due to the fixed nature of orthodontic appliances. This study investigates the potential benefits of periodontal scaling in mitigating the adverse effects on oral and periodontal health among orthodontic patients. Objective: To evaluate the impact of periodontal scaling on the general oral and periodontal health of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 50 patients from the College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Conducted from April 2023 to April 2024, the study utilized a questionnaire to collect demographic data and information about the patients’ last dental scaling. The Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) assessed the periodontal and general oral health. Results: The correlations between the time since the last scaling and general oral health (DMFT score: p=0.950) and periodontal health (CPITN: p=0.635) were not statistically significant. Higher DMFT scores were noted in patients who last had scaling over a year ago (30%), followed by those never scaled (26%). Pocket depths of 6mm were solely observed in unscaled patients. Conclusion: The incidence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, as well as deeper pocket depths, were notably higher in orthodontic patients who had not received scaling in over a year or never at all, emphasizing the necessity of regular periodontal care.