Salivary Markers and Microbial Flora in Mouth Breathing Late Adolescents

Abstract

Mouth breathing late adolescents show a significantly higher risk to develop <i>S. mutans</i> CFU > 10⁵ and an increased level of PI. Interceptive orthodontic treatments in growing subjects, like palatal expansion, are encouraged to improve the nasal air flow. In older subjects, orthodontic treatments should be performed with removable appliances like clear aligners, in order to allow a better oral hygiene level.