Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes for some bacteria in the oral cavity (Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Spp.) over time, in mouth-breathing patients (test group) compared to nose-breathing patients (control group).
Materials and methods: 40 patients, homogeneous by age and sex, were evaluated: 20 mouth-breathing patients (Test group) and 20 nose-breathing patients (Control group). The levels of S. Mutans and Lactobacillus Spp., salivary flow, saliva buffer capacity, and plaque index (PI) were assessed. Withdrawals were made at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). All data were compared using the "Student's test" statistical analysis.
Results: The control group has a reduced amount of S. Mutans compared to the test group (G. C. T0=10%, T1=0%, T2=0%) (G. T. T0=0%, T1=5%, T2=35%); while the quantity of Lactobacillus Spp. was different (control group T0=15%, T1=0%, T2=10%, test group T0=0%, T1=5%, T2=35%); Total salivary flows had increased in the control group (T0=47, T1=61, T2=61) compared to the test group, in which it had remained almost constant and lower (T0=44, T1=45, T2=45); Salivary buffering power is unchanged in all controls; Total PI-plaque indices had decreased in nose breathing subjects (T0=3, T1=0, T2=2) compared to mouth-breathing subjects (T0=0, T1=14, T2=27).
Conclusion: Comparing all the data, it can be inferred that mouth breathing predisposes patients to an increase in periodontal disease susceptibility with a noticeable increase in periodontal indices and bacterial colonization.

Keywords: Mouth breathing; Salivary indices; Plaque; Streptococcus mutans; Lactobacillus