RESUMO
Objective@#To evaluate the effects of an electric toothbrush with vibrational frequencies of 125 Hz and 150 Hz on the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) rate and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). @*Methods@#Out of thirty patients (aged 18–25 years; 16 females and 14 males), ten patients each formed Group A and B, who used electric toothbrushes with 125 Hz and 150 Hz vibrations, respectively. The remaining ten patients (Group C) served as the control group and did not use electric toothbrushes. The rate of OTM and levels of PGE2 using microcapillary pipettes were calculated before the start of retraction (T0), on the 30th day (T1), on the 60th day (T2), and on the 90th day (T3) from the start of retraction in all the groups. @*Results@#There was a statistically significant difference in the mean OTM values and PGE2 levels in all three groups at different time intervals, with the maximum difference seen in Group B compared to Group A and least in Group C at T1, T2 and T3. @*Conclusions@#The rate of OTM and levels of PGE2 were highest in patients who used an electric toothbrush with 150 Hz mechanical vibration compared to those who used an electric toothbrush with 125 Hz mechanical vibration and least in patients who did not use an electric toothbrush. Mechanical vibration led to an increase in the PGE2 levels and accelerated the OTM.
RESUMO
Background and Aims: We aimed to investigate gingival index changes and oxidative stress in orthodontic patients with and without the use of fluoridated agents over a 6-month period. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects divided into three groups (30 untreated controls, 30 with fixed appliances using nonfluoridated toothpaste, and 30 with fixed appliances using fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes ) comprised the sample. The Loe gingival index was used to rank gingival health at four specific time periods in the groups to determine differences (before, at 7 days, 30 days, and 6 months). Gingival crevicular fluid was evaluated for cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) to determine differences in oxidative status between the groups. Results: Controls showed no changes in gingival index throughout the 6-month observation period. There was a deterioration in gingival health in both the fluoridated and nonfluoridated groups till 6 months. IL-1ß levels in the fluoridated group increased from the 7th day, reached a peak at 30 days, and remained slightly elevated at 6 months. The nonfluoridated group also showed elevated levels at all tested time periods, but levels were lower as compared to fluoridated samples. The differences in IL-1ß values between the fluoridated and nonfluoridated treated groups were significant. TNF-α levels in the three groups also showed a similar pattern with elevated levels seen in both the treated groups at the 7th, 30-day, and 6-month periods. The fluoridated group showed the highest levels at three time periods which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Gingival health of subjects treated with fixed orthodontic appliances deteriorated from appliance placement till a 6-month time period. Cytokines such as IL-1ß and TNF-α associated with oxidative stress during orthodontic treatment increased in both the treated groups, with higher levels in fluoridated subjects. Long-term consequences of oxidative stress changes need further investigation.
