Gingival Conditions Associated with Orthodontic Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Observational Study

Introduction: Gingival enlargement is excessive growth of the gums, where the inflammatory tissue may be in a limited region, or it may be generalized. Favourable conditions for plaque accumulation and difficulty in performing oral hygiene measures have been associated with poorer periodontal health among orthodontic patients. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of gingival enlargement in patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances and to assess the effect of duration of orthodontic treatment on clinical parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methodology: A total of 40 subjects (aged 15-35 years) were divided into 2 groups: patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (Group 1) and patients without fixed orthodontic appliances (Group 2). Clinical examinations included plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, gingival enlargement. Statistical analysis: Chi-square test and Mann Whitney test were used for comparison between clinical parameters and duration of orthodontic treatment. Result: Increased gingival inflammation and enlargement were observed in group 1 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment due to poor oral hygiene. Also, greater severity of enlargement was seen with increased treatment duration. Conclusion: Duration of orthodontic treatment influenced occurrence of gingival enlargement due to selfneglect of patients causing accumulation of plaque leading to inflammation and bleeding. Sex hormone levels also explain the greater likelihood of younger participants to have gingival enlargement that modulate periodontal tissues to be more sensitive to plaque causing a hyperplastic reaction of the gingiva.