Effectiveness of Metronidazole Gel and Mobile SMS Reminders on Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-11-30
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
A rapid deterioration in oral hygiene occur after bonding of orthodontic appliances.
Zachrisson and Zachrisson have reported that even after maintaining excellent oral hygiene,
patients usually experience mild to moderate gingivitis within 1-2 months after orthodontic
appliance placement. Slutzkey and Levin have reported a prevalence of 72 % gingivitis in
orthodontic patients.
The difficulty in maintenance of oral hygiene and inefficient removal of supragingival plaque
due to the appliances lead to development of gingivitis and hyperplasia. Tooth brush access
to the buccal surface of the teeth becomes problematic and predisposes plaque buildup around
the brackets.
Investigators are now focusing on the development of localized drug delivery systems that can
allow maximum concentration on the target site, thus minimizing the potential systemic
effects. Metronidazole has been used by several researchers due to its selective
antimicrobial activity against the obligate anaerobes. The topical administration in gel form
has several advantages. Miani et al concluded that the use of metronidazole gel significantly
reduces the total bacterial count in the gingival crevicular fluid.
In medicine and dentistry, active mobile telephone short-message service (SMS) reminders have
been used to improve patient compliance and positive behavior changes. A study conducted by
Epprighta et al have reported the effectiveness of SMS reminder in orthodontic patients. They
have reported significantly lower bleeding, gingival and plaque indices scores in SMS
reminder group as compared to control.
Rationale:
The application of metronidazole gel is effective in management of gingivitis in patients
undergoing orthodontic therapy. Additionally, the constant reminder therapy at weekly
interval would also lead to improvement in the oral hygiene. According to pertinent
literature survey, none of the study has been conducted to compare the effectiveness of SMS
reminders and use of anaerobic gel to reduce gingival inflammation.
Null Hypothesis:
Application of 0.8% metronidazole gel and mobile telephone short-message service oral hygiene
reminders is equally effective in reducing the gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients
with gingivitis as compared to control group.
Objective:
The objectives of the study will be to assess the use of topical gel or mobile telephone
short-message service oral hygiene reminders can reduce gingivitis in orthodontic patients as
compared to control group.