Assessment of salivary microbial parameters with two types of fixed space maintainers in children

Abstract

Purpose: The originality of the present study was to evaluate caries risk factors with salivary microbial parameters in a population of children with two types of fixed space maintainers. Methods: The study sample was divided equally into two groups; group A: twelve child received EZ space maintainer; group B: twelve child received band and loop space maintainers. The samples were collected before the insertion of the space maintainer and 2 weeks after its insertion. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between (EZ/Lacto) (0.36 × 103 ± 0.68× 103) and (Band & Loop /Lacto) (4.38× 103± 7.78× 103) where (p=0.165). There was no statistically significant difference between (EZ / Strept) (1.38 × 103 ± 3.22× 103) and (Band & Loop Strept) (5.42× 103± 12.75× 103) where (p=0.488). There was no statistically significant difference between (EZ) (0.87×103 ± 1.80× 103) and (Band & Loop) (4.90× 103± 7.17× 103) where (p=0.112). Conclusions: Both EZ space maintainer and band and loop space maintainer increase bacteria count insignificantly. EZ space maintainer can be used as alternative to conventional band and loop space maintainer.