Observational Study of Oral Microbiota and Salivary Protein Changes During Orthodontic Treatment in Children and Teens Aged 6 to 18 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying changes in oral microbiota and salivary proteins during orthodontic treatment in children and teens aged 6 to 18 years. The study focuses on patients receiving orthodontic care at Xian Jiaotong University between 2025 and 2027. It aims to understand how oral bacteria and saliva change throughout the treatment process and how these changes relate to dental health, specifically monitoring for white spot lesions and dental caries. This observational study involves no interventions or treatments. Before starting orthodontic care, participants will undergo routine examinations, provide informed consent, and complete oral and psychological questionnaires. Researchers will collect plaque samples monthly at baseline and then every three months, and saliva samples every six months for up to 30 months during treatment. Regular oral hygiene check-ups and caries risk assessments will also be performed. Participants will attend scheduled visits for sample collection and dental assessments throughout the study duration. Researchers will monitor changes in plaque and saliva microbiota and track dental lesion progression at multiple time points up to 30 months. The study emphasizes regular follow-up visits to ensure comprehensive observation of oral health changes during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment on Oral Microbiota and Salivary Proteins