Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' attitudes and perspectives on the relationship between fixed orthodontic treatment and oral hygiene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 175 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Data was collected through questionnaires that included patient demographics, oral hygiene behaviours, perspectives on white spot lesions (WSL) and periodontal problems, and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment. The chi-square test was used to analyse the relationship between categorical data. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (109 males, 66 females) was 17.8±6.4 years. Most of the patients who received orthodontic treatment brushed their teeth twice a day. Traditional and orthodontic toothbrushes were preferred over electric ones. The most common oral hygiene tools were toothbrushes and interdental brushes. A total of 151 patients (86.28%) indicated that their primary source of oral hygiene guidance was the orthodontist. A total of 113 patients (64.57%) had no knowledge of dental plaque, while 117 patients (66.85%) had no knowledge of WSL. While 80 patients (84%) with knowledge about periodontal problems believed that the primary cause of periodontal problems was inadequate oral hygiene, 43 patients (74.85%) with knowledge about WSL attributed the main cause of WSL to the use of braces. Negative attitudes towards orthodontic treatment and oral hygiene were more prevalent among adolescents (p<0.05), with no difference in gender or treatment duration. Patients who received information about WSL and periodontal problems exhibited a more positive attitude towards treatment and oral hygiene (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the limited patient awareness of plaque and WSL during fixed orthodontic treatment. Physician guidance has a significant impact on patient attitudes, and specific educational programmes are required in orthodontic treatment.