Oral Hygiene Recommendations From Orthodontists to Orthodontic Patients

The aim of this questionnaire survey was to analyse the approach orthodontists take on oral hygiene (OH) throughout Germany. The information orthodontists provide their patients with respect to brushing and steps the patients can take at home to achieve the best results, as well as the amount of times orthodontists scheduled controls and appointments with their patients was collected.

A computer program randomly selected 1000 members from the DGKFO directory to whom questionnaires were mailed. The size and population of the federal states (FS) were taken into account. The FS with the highest return rates (Baden-Württemberg (BW), Bavaria (B), Hesse (H), Lower Saxony (NDS), North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)) were considered and differences between the 16 FS were divided into north, south, east and central. Data analysis was performed using cross tables and chi-square tests.

The response rate of the questionnaires was 52.4%. The majority (53.8%) worked in one practice alone. Most (59.1%) have been orthodontists for 5-25 years. OH instructions were given orally by the dental assistant (> 90%). Multibracket appliances (MBA) were checked monthly, and removable appliances (RA) every 2 months; in over 90% at each session. Professional dental cleaning (PDC) took place every 6 months, except in NDS (every 3 months). When considering tooth brushing methods, the bass technique was specified for MBA and the Fones-technique for RA.

The dental assistant gave the subjects instructions regarding oral care at home. The MBA control was carried out monthly and at RA every 2 months. PDC usually took place every 6 months.