The effect of the octenidine-based oral antiseptic on the structure of microbial communities and periodontal status in patients with fixed orthodontic treatments.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an octenidine (OCT)-based antiseptic on the gingival inflammation and microbial composition of subgingival dental plaque in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-three orthodontic patients were randomized into 2 groups. The control group patients were given standard oral hygiene and dietary advice, while the experimental group patients used an OCT-based antiseptic together with standard oral hygiene and dietary recommendations. The periodontal status was evaluated using the following indices: the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), the papilla bleeding index (PBI) and the probing pocket depth (PD). Next Generation Sequencing of the 16S rRNA amplicons was performed in order to assess the subgingival microbiome.

Results: The PD values obtained were significantly lower in the experimental group after one month, as well as PBI. The microbiological analysis showed a significant increase in the occurrence of the genus Prevotella in the control group, while the number of other periodontopathogens remained stable in both groups. The changes in the abundance of the bacteria not directly associated with periodontal disease were also observed.

Conclusions: The use of an OCT-based antiseptic has a positive effect on the prevention of gingival inflammation. Additionally, it also prevents a likely increase in numbers of periodontopathogens of the subgingival dental plaque in the first three months of fixed orthodontic treatment.