Impact of Fixed Orthodontic Therapy on Salivary Characteristics in Relation to Weight Status
Zaid Ali Alasadi and Alhan Ahmed QasimDepartment of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
Corresponding Author E-mail: zalasadi@yahoo.com
Abstract: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the early impact of fixed orthodontic therapy on some salivary physical and chemical characteristics of patients in relation to their weight status. The sample consisted of 54 patients (25 males and 29 females; age between 16-18 years old) going under the course of fixed orthodontic treatment. Patients were categorized according to their Body Mass Index (BMI) into 3 weight status groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese), then unstimulated salivary samples were collected from each patient who met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria during three time intervals; before bonding (1st visit), 2 weeks after bonding (2nd visit), and 4 weeks after bonding (3rd visit), then salivary samples are examined to evaluate some salivary physical properties (flow rate, pH) and some chemical properties (salivary calcium concentration, salivary phosphate concentration). A significant increase in salivary flow rate for all weight status categories during the 2ndvisit. A significant decrease in salivary pH for both underweight and overweight groups during 2nd visit with no significant change for normal weight group. A significant decrease in salivary calcium concentration for all weight status groups. And a significant increase in salivary phosphate concentration for all weight status groups. Exposure to fixed orthodontic appliances causes significant changes in salivary physical and chemical characteristics in early stages of treatment. These changes differ among patients with different BMI weight status, but with lesser intensity on normal weight patients than underweight and overweight and obese patients.
Keywords: Effect; Orthodontic Treatment; Saliva; Weight Status Back to TOC