Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Instructions’ Awareness during Orthodontic Treatment among Syrian Orthodontists

Introduction: Insuffi cient information are available regarding the presentation of oral hygiene instructions by orthodontists. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral hygiene instructions given to patients during orthodontic treatment in a sample of Syrian orthodontists. Materials and Methods: The sample of this study consisted of 100 dentists specialized in orthodontics in Damascus city. Questionnaires were sent to them including one question: “What are the oral hygiene instructions you give to your patients after the placement of an orthodontic appliance?” Results: Our results demonstrated that almost every orthodontist (97%) advises his/her patients to use the classic manual toothbrush, while only (6%) of them advise the patients to use the electric toothbrush. It was also shown that the orthodontists recommend Chlorhexidine mouthwashes (38%), Fluoride mouthwashes (53%), dental fl oss (12%), disclosing tablets (16%), and the oral irrigator (21%) as additional aids to maintain the patients’ oral hygiene within good levels. Conclusion: The concept of establishing “very good” to “excellent” level of oral hygiene in patients, during orthodontic treatment, among the orthodontists in this sample of study is still not totally understood. Further education for orthodontists in this fi eld is still needed.