Effects of powered toothbrush on periodontal status and microbial flora in patients used space maintainers

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of electric toothbrushes on the periodontal parameters and salivary microbial flora in children aged between 6-12 years old who used space maintainers due to premature loss of primary teeth. Method: A total of 68 patients aged between 6-12 years old in the mixed dentition were included in the study. The patients were divided into two equal groups (fixed and removable space maintainer groups). These groups were divided into two subgroups that were used manual or electric toothbrushes. Periodontal parameters were recorded and saliva samples were collected from all patients at the beginning of the study (T0), at the first month (T1) and at the third month (T2) follow-ups. Plaque index, gingival index, periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing index were used for clinical periodontal examinations. Microbiological examinations were assessed with changes in the counts of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the periodontal parameters and salivary microbial flora in the T0-T1-T2 follow-ups after the use of electric toothbrushes in the fixed and removable space maintainers groups. The mean gingival index scores significantly increased between T0-T1 and T0-T2 follow-up periods in the removable space maintainer group in which manual toothbrushes used. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that electric toothbrushes did not have a significant effect on the periodontal parameters and salivary microbial flora in patients who used fixed and removable space maintainers at three months follow-up. However, further studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to evaluate the effects of the different types of electric toothbrushes on the periodontal parameters and salivary microbial flora in patients with fixed and removable space maintainers. Keywords: powered toothbrush, microbial flora, periodontal health, space maintainers.