Impact of orthodontic treatment on oral microbiome diversity and composition: A longitudinal study

Abstract

The change in oral microbiome diversity and composition during fixed orthodontic treatment was done using 16S rRNA sequencing. Saliva and plaque samples from 60 participants were analyzed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Alpha diversity significantly decreased at 3 months (mean: 2.8 ± 0.4) but partially recovered by 6 months (mean: 3.0 ± 0.3). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant microbial composition shifts (p < 0.01) with an increase in Streptococcus mutans and a decline in Streptococcus sanguinis. Hence, orthodontic treatment alters the oral microbiome, emphasizing the need for enhanced oral hygiene to prevent dysbiosis.

Keywords: Orthodontic treatment; diversity; fixed appliances; longitudinal study; microbial composition; oral microbiome.