Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can affect the oral hygiene by influencing several parameters including the saliva properties and microbial count. The present study was conducted to assess effect of orthodontic fixed appliances on salivary flow and viscosity. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 56 patients of both genders undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. In all patients fixed orthodontics was initiated with 0.022 inch slot brackets and NiTi 0.0014 inch wires. Salivary flow was estimated by collecting saliva before treatment, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Salivary pH values were measured with portable pH meter strips. Results: Out of 56 patients, males were 20 and females were 36. Salivary flow rate before treatment was 1.15 mL/min which increased to 1.18 at 6 weeks and 1.29 at 12 weeks. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). pH before treatment was 7.19, at 6weeks was 6.54 and at 12 weeks was 6.03. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found reduction in pH and increase in salivary flow rate recorded at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after fixed orthodontic treatment.
Key words: Orthodontic, pH, Salivary flow

Received: 12 January, 2018                              Revised: 9 February, 2018                       Accepted: 12 February, 2018

Corresponding author: Dr. Nameeta Kaur, Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, Government Dental College, Srinagar

This article may be cited as: Kaur N. Evaluation of effect of orthodontic fixed appliances on salivary flow and viscosity-A clinical study. Int J Res Health Allied Sci 2018; 4(1):143-145.