Orthodontics and Oral Microflora: Synergism or Parasitism

Microorganisms cannot be seen through naked eye but we can feel their impact on us in various ways. Though only 3% of the total microbial populations are harmful to the humans without knowing, we are getting their help from the historic days eg. souring of milk, pickles, jams, dosa and idly making, wine production etc. In an average adult, there are 100 trillion human cells and 1500 trillion microbes. Thus, at best we are little more than 10% of us. Hence we are all just Petri dishes with shoes. We as orthodontists often intervene with the most important microbial habitat that is the oral cavity. Various studies have been done in relation to orthodontics and oral flora which have been unable to resolve the dilemma of the type of relationships among the two. The relationships formed and thereby the success of an orthodontic therapy depends upon both an orthodontist as well as the patient. All procedures beginning with appliance fabrication, insertion, oral hygiene maintenance and patient motivation are equally important. A balance and harmony have to be maintained from initiation throughout progression till the end of the therapy. If any of the above becomes wrong or imbalanced, orthodontic therapy fails.