Effect of two different mouthwashes against colonisation of streptococcus mutans over metal, self-ligating and ceramic brackets: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The number of people seeking orthodontic treatment has increased significantly during the last 20 years. During orthodontic treatment, the patient’s oral hygiene can impact the effectiveness and timeliness of the therapy. One typical adverse effect of orthodontic treatment is enamel demineralization, often known as white spot lesions surrounding orthodontic appliances. Because permanent appliances have inherent morphologic abnormalities, they create an excellent environment for colonization of microbes. The main microorganism that initiates dental caries is Streptococcus mutans. Thus, it becomes a dire need to maintain the oral hygiene of the patient. The methods to maintain include mechanical and chemical methods. The study aims to assess how two mouthwashes affected the colonization of Streptococcus mutans on ceramic, self-ligating, and metal brackets. Materials and methods: Metal, self-ligating and ceramic bracket systems were taken and two mouthwashes, fluoride and chlorhexidine containing mouthwashes were taken. Based on the bracket system and mouthwash prescribed, 6 groups were created. There were 14 patients in each of the group.Samples were obtained at T1,T2 and T3 and CFU was counted before and after the use of mouthwash. The values were compared between the groups and sub-groups through statistical tests.