Abstract
Little is known about the effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral colonisation by mutans streptococci (MS). In the present study, the frequency of isolation and serotype distribution of MS were evaluated in two groups of children, one undergoing therapy with removable appliances and the other not subjected to any kind of orthodontic treatment, respectively. Streptococci isolated from dental plaque samples from both groups of children were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties and were then serotyped in an enzyme immuno-assay using monoclonal antibodies. The number of subjects harbouring MS in their dental plaque was statistically higher in the group of orthodontic children without caries experience (CF) in comparison with CF children of the control group (10/12, 83.3% vs. 15/44, 34%). No clear difference was observed in the distribution of the different MS serotypes between the experimental and control group: S. mutans c,f serotype was the most frequently isolated in both groups of children followed by S. mutans serotype e and S. sobrinus serotype g. Such results suggest that the use of removable appliances may lead to the creation of new retentive areas and surfaces, which favour the local adherence and growth of MS. The data obtained stress the importance of a careful monitoring of patients treated orthodontically for risk of caries development.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
