Journal of Research and Advancement in Dentistry
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2021
Volume : Volume 12
Issue : Issue 3
Address for correspondence :
Dr. Farha Deeba
dr.farhakashif@gmail.com
Background: Retention is important to prevent relapse and holding of the teeth following orthodontic treatment in the treated position for the period of time necessary for the maintenance of the result. Hawley’s retainer is most commonly used retainer for both arches. So with an aim microbial evaluation and their effectiveness of different methods for cleansing the Hawley’s retainer as well as we have compared different methods for cleansing. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients who were undergone orthodontic treatment were randomly selected for the study in four groups of ten each. The sample of the saliva of the patient was collected to measure the value of salivary pH by pH Test for different time interval. Results: Result were tabulated and statistically formulated as per standard protocol. We observed that the microorganisms, that is, the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus increased in all four groups from T0 to T3. The adherence of both the microorganisms, that is, the S. mutans and Lactobacillus was maximum with Group 1, that is, brushing with fluoride toothpaste followed by Group 2, that is, immersion of Hawley’s retainer in a chlorhexidine solution, and least in Group 3, that is, (Using cleansing tablets). In our study, Lactobacillus colony-forming units count was found highest in Group 1 (Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste) followed by Group 2 (Immersion of Hawley’s retainer in a chlorhexidine solution). It was 232.60 ± 142.40 in Group 1 151.00 ± 136.98 in Group 2, respectively, at T0. With time, it was continuously increasing in both the groups. It increases to 653.80 ± 85.66 in Group 1 and 566.90 ± 206.01 in Group 2, respectively, at T3. Conclusion: The present study indicates that cleansing tablets are the best method to clean Hawley’s retainer and aids in least retention of oral microflora compared with the other two methods. The oral microflora count was found to increase from T0 to T3 in all four groups. However, the increase was maximum with the control group followed by the brushing method, chlorhexidine solution, and the least in cleansing tablets.
Keywords: Hawley’s retainer, Microbial evaluation, Cleansing tablets, Chlorhexidine, Tooth paste.
