Evaluation of effects on periodontal health, halitosis and salivary flow of the occlusal splint use

Abstract

Objectives: Occlusal splints (OS) are often used for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), bruxism, and occlusal disturbance, although the splint’s effect on oral tissue has not been investigated enough. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of OS on halitosis, periodontal status and salivary flow rate (SFR) in patients with bruxism. Material and Methods: A total of 43 patients with bruxism participated in this study. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), SFR and halitosis measurement were performed immediately before treatment and 3 months following the completion of the baseline treatment protocol. Results: The present study saw that the use of OS for three months did not affected the periodontal status. There was significant increase in the level of halitosis and also the level of SFR after the use of OS (p<0.001). Statistically significance relationship between halitosis and SFR with the use of OS was found (p<0.05), while there was not a correlation between SFR and halitosis (p>0.05). Conclusions: Although occlusal splints have therapeutic benefits, comprehensive clinical examinations are needed on this issue.

Keywords

• occlusal splint
• halitosis
• periodontal health
• salivary flow rate