Fixed metal orthodontic appliances create additional plaque-retentive areas around brackets, archwires and ligatures, making mechanical plaque control more difficult in children and adolescents. Increased plaque accumulation may contribute to gingival inflammation, bleeding, halitosis and early enamel changes. Therefore, adjunctive preventive agents, including mouthwashes, may be clinically useful as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene program during fixed orthodontic treatment.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of a test mouthwash in children and adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances by monitoring plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding and halitosis.