Periodontal conditions associated with space maintainers following two different dental health education techniques

The aim was to investigate the effect of fixed and removable space maintainers on periodontal status of children and to compare the efficiency of verbal and written dental health education. 52 healthy children aged between 7-10 years who will be treated with fixed or removable appliances were divided into two subgroups to whom were given verbal and written dental education. Plaque index, bleeding index and mean pocket depth scores of the teeth were recorded at baseline and 3, 6 and 9 months after application. Plaque, bleeding index and mean pocket depth scores showed significant difference in the appliance groups in the follow-ups. Plaque index scores displayed a positive correlation with the duration of both appliances. The difference between pocket depth scores were found to be significant in the follow-ups in both appliance groups while it was insignificant between education groups and significant increase in bleeding index scores was observed in both appliance groups and education techniques given. It is concluded that both removable and fixed space maintainers can result in inflammation on periodontal tissues of the children.