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INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES DURING FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN PETRAJAYA
DENTAL CLINIC: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
NMRR-19-541-46467

Tsai MH, Nawi N
Introduction: Attaining improved aesthetics and proper occlusion are the main reasons for
commencing orthodontic treatment. However, it is anticipated that orthodontic treatment
increases the risk of carious lesions. Objectives: To determine the incidence of dental caries
during fixed orthodontic treatment and its association with gender, ethnicity, age at start
of treatment, duration of treatment and frequency of oral hygiene instructions. Materials
and Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted using selected orthodontic patient
records (n=115) between 2017 and 2018. New carious lesions which developed during the
treatment process and the teeth involved were recorded. Independent variables were
collected from patient’s treatment record. Results: The incidence of patients who
developed at least 1 new carious lesion during treatment was 34.8%. Frequency of oral
hygiene instructions given was significantly associated with caries incidence (P=0.017).
Gender, age at the start of treatment, ethnicity and duration of treatment were not
associated with caries incidence. The maxillary right first molars were the most affected
teeth. Conclusion: The incidence of dental caries in patients treated with fixed orthodontic
appliances was moderately high. This warrants greater emphasising on oral hygiene
reinforcement and effective caries preventive measures by parents and providers.

Keywords: dental caries, oral health, orthodontic treatment

Published in Malaysian Journal of Medical Research, 2019; 3(3):7-13 doi:10.31674/mjmr.2019.v03i03.00
Dr Milton Tsai Hongli
Sarawak UTC Dental Clinic Kuching
Sarawak State Health Department
Ministry of Health Malaysia

Dr Nes Nawi
Orthodontic Unit
Petrajaya Dental Clinic Kuching
Sarawak State Health Department
Ministry of Health Malaysia

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