Altered Microflora in Orthodontic Patients

Oral/Sub gingival micro biota is always affected by Orthodontic therapy. Presence of appliances in the mouth might be accompanied with a higher incidence to caries and might cause inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Various researches have shown that the presence of orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity can alter the basic nature of dental plaque that would increase in the microbial population, mainly Streptococcus and Lactobacillus. It has been observed that fixed appliances causes difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, due to which the sub ginival microbiota is also affected, since presence of appliance favors bacterial plaque to hold on to the surface. This leads to bacterial colonization that is accountable for the inflammation of the gingiva and also for the destruction of the periodontium and alteration in the enamel surface. Therefore, instructions for oral hygiene maintenance are essential in all cases of orthodontic therapy.