Dental Biofilm and Saliva Biochemical Composition Changes in Young Orthodontic Patients

Saliva and dental biofilm of children with orthodontic treatment may be associated with high risk factors that increase incidence of caries development in this population. Aim:To assess the dental biofilm and saliva biochemical composition of young fixed orthodontic patients. Design:The sample comprised 64 participants between 12 to 18 years of age, of whom 32 had fixed orthodontic treatment as study group and 32 did not as a control group. Supragingival biofilm samples were collected from all teeth of all participants by using sterile curettes. The level of insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (IEPS)Calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (Pi) concentrations in dental biofilm was measured using phenol sulphuric acid colorimetric method. The estimated unstimulated salivary flow, pH, buffering capacity and count of Streptococcal Mutants were determined on selective media of all participants.