Assessment of subgingival microbial changes in plaque before and during the early phase of Orthodontic treatment using the RT-PCR method. (Real-time polymerase chain reaction method).

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate changes in subgingival microbial communities before and during the levelling and alignment stages of orthodontic treatment using RT-PCR.
Materials & methods: This study included 30 orthodontic patients aged 12 to 25. Subgingival microbial samples were obtained from the distobuccal crevices of the upper and lower right and left central incisors, as well as from the mesiobuccal crevices of the upper and lower right and left first molars. Samples were collected at 3 times points: baseline, before & during Orthodontic appliance placement after one month (T1), two months after placement (T2), and 3 months after placement. (T3). DNA was extracted from the samples, and a 16S rRNA-based RT-PCR method was employed to assess the prevalence of P.gingivalis, T.forsythia (T.f), and P.intermedia (P.i), which are identified as putative periodontal pathogens.
Results: Comparing the prevalence of the 3 periodontal pathogens, P.gingivalis, T.forsythia, and P. intermedia, at T1, T2, and T3 showed significant differences. Notably, there was an increase in the levels of these pathogens in the subgingival plaque after 3 months of Orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion: Orthodontic appliance placement leads to an increased prevalence of periodontal pathogens during the early stages of treatment, potentially adversely affecting periodontal health.