Original Research
Volume 2022: Article ID 20221009: Pages 11
Frequency of oral mucosal lesions in fixed orthodontic patients
Prasanthi Sitaraman1, Karpagavalli Shanmugasundaram 2
1 Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India,
2 Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Seema Dental College and Hospital, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Address for Correspondence:
Prasanthi Sitaraman, Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai – 600077. Email: prasha92@yahoo.com
Abstract
Background:
Orthodontic treatment is employed to correct dentofacial anomalies and helps to improve esthetics. A variety of oral mucosal lesions is seen in patients receiving fixed orthodontic therapy due to the irritation caused by the brackets. It also affects the oral health by accumulation of plaque leading to the development of gingivitis and progression to periodontitis.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to examine the frequency and the type of oral mucosal lesions in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. In addition, as the maintenance of oral hygiene is difficult during treatment, gingival index of the patients has also been reported.
Materials and Methods:
A pro-forma used for evaluating fixed orthodontic patients included site, size, and degree of inflammation of the lesion, plaque and gingival index. This was used to evaluate randomly selected 100 patients under various stages of fixed orthodontic therapy. These patients were examined for inflammation, contusion, erosion, hyperkeratinization and ulceration. The results were tabulated and analysed.
Result:
The most common topographic site for the occurrence of oral mucosal lesions was the right buccal mucosa. Of the 100 patients examined, 45 patients presented with lesions - 33 patients had a single lesion and 12 of them with multiple lesions of varying sites. The most common size of the lesion was less than 1cm. Only mild inflammation was seen in all the lesions. Most common oral mucosal lesion observed was ulceration. Most frequent plaque and gingival index was 1 and 2 respectively.
Conclusion:
This study helps to identify the frequency of oral mucosal lesions and helps in early diagnosis and treatment of these lesions in order to avoid pain and accelerate their healing. Overall, the compliance and quality of life in fixed orthodontic patients is improved.
Keywords: Ulcer; contusion; oral mucosa; corrective orthodontics
Financial support and sponsorship :
Nil
Conflicts of interest :
There are no conflicts of interest
How to cite this article: Prashanthi Sitaraman, & , K. S. (2022). Frequency of oral mucosal lesions in fixed orthodontic patients: Original Research. International Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 11. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjoralrehab.2022.233
