Prevalence of White Spot Lesions Among Patients In Sanaa, Yemen During Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract

#This study Amis to Establish the prevalence of white spot lesions (WSLs) in orthodontic patients in Sanaa, Yemen at 7 and 14 months into treatment with the visual examination method. There have not been many studies done on the prevalence of WLSs for any region in Yemen. Materials and Methods: Patients 7 and 14 months into treatment were examined for the presence of WSLs. The control group consisted of patients who were examined for WSLs immediately after bonding. Upon clinical evaluation, teeth were given a visual score based on the extent of demineralization. Results: The percentages of individuals having at least one WSL were 47%, 57%, and 10% for the 7-month, 14-month, and control groups, respectively. The 7-month (P=.028) and 14-month groups (P = .007) were significantly different from the control group but were not significantly different from each other (P = .50). Of subjects in the study who had at least one visible WSL, 75% were males and 25% were females (P = .008). Conclusions: During the first 7 months of treatment there was a marked increase in the number of WSLs. This increase continued at a slower rate to 14 months. During the initial months of treatment clinicians are advised to assess the oral hygiene status of patients and, when necessary, to counter demineralization by employing preventive measures.