Abstract
BackgroundOrthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is associated with changes in oral microbiota, including increased Candida colonization. The Candida fungus can cause oral lesions and infections such as candidiasis and angular cheilitis, and is harmful to both the patient and the orthodontist. Poor hygiene facilitates the colonization of these microorganisms. The key aim was to quantify the colonization of C. albicans in patients prior to beginning orthodontic treatment, and during the treatment process. Material and MethodsA total of 124 patients (43 males and 80 females) with a mean age of 19.5 years, who required treatment with metal or aesthetic (ceramic) braces, were studied. Microbiological samples were taken from the oral cavity using the swab technique throughout the treatment and cultured on a Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plate and, if positive, cultured on a CHROMagar® Candida plate. ResultsIn contrast to other published studies, no statistically significant increase in C. albicans colonization was observed during the orthodontic treatment. The fixed appliances had no influence on the presence, absence or level of colonization by C. albicans and there were no significant differences between the different appliances studied. ConclusionsOur study showed that frequency of oral hygiene measures by study participants did not affect the rate of oral carriage of Candida in a statistically significant manner. This observation contrasted with published literature, which suggests that thorough brushing is important to prevent the build-up of Candida species. Key words:Orthodontics, fixed appliances, oral microflora, Candida albicans.
Highlights
The goal of all orthodontic treatment is to improve the patient’s occlusion, function, mastication, aesthetics, comfort, self-esteem and overall health [1]
The results showed a slight increase in Candida colonization from timepoint 0 (3.2%) to timepoint 4 (4.8%), this variation was not found to be statistically significant
When comparing other studies to the present work, we found a very low presence of C. albicans in untreated volunteers at the beginning of treatment and an initial quantitative increase in oral carriage in orthodontic treatment patients
Summary
The goal of all orthodontic treatment is to improve the patient’s occlusion, function, mastication, aesthetics, comfort, self-esteem and overall health [1]. These are: analysis of the presence of different strains of Candida in the oral cavity, the level of oral colonization by C. albicans based on the type of orthodontic appliances worn by the patient, and the volunteers’ level of oral hygiene. The analysis of these factors will allow us to determine the level of risk of Candida infection associated with orthodontic appliance use. Conclusions: Our study showed that frequency of oral hygiene measures by study participants did not affect the rate of oral carriage of Candida in a statistically significant manner This observation contrasted with published literature, which suggests that thorough brushing is important to prevent the build-up of Candida species
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