~ 40 ~ International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences 2021; 7(3): 40-43 ISSN Print: 2394-7489 ISSN Online: 2394-7497 IJADS 2021; 7(3): 40-43 © 2021 IJADS www.oraljournal.com Received: 25-05-2021 Accepted: 27-06-2021 Alexa Camila Saldua Chapa Master in Sciences Student Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Guadalupe Magdalena Ramirez- Herrera Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Alejandro Mass-Enriquez Associate Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Christian Starlight Franco Trejo Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas, Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Academica de Medicina Human y Ciencias de la Salud, Zacatecas, Zacatecas Juan Carlos Medrano Rodriguez Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas, Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Academica de Odontologia, Zacatecas, Zacatecas Rosa Isela Sanchez-Najera Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Juan Manuel Solis-Soto Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Corresponding Author: Juan Manuel Solis-Soto Professor, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Odontologia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP, Mexico Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: An orthodontic approach Alexa Camila Saldua Chapa, Guadalupe Magdalena Ramirez-Herrera, Alejandro Mass-Enriquez, Christian Starlight Franco Trejo, Juan Carlos Medrano Rodriguez, Rosa Isela Sanchez-Najera and Juan Manuel Solis- Soto DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/oral.2021.v7.i3a.1279 Abstract Introduction: Orthodontic appliances may be associated with a worsening of preexisting periodontal diseases caused by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Objective: To analyze the literature on the characteristics of A. actinomycetemcomitans and its relationship with orthodontics, particularly epidemiology, oral manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatments. Methodology: Using the keywords “A. actinomycetemcomitans”, “orthodontics”, “oral manifestations”, “treatment” and “epidemiology”, the main public databases were searched, with emphasis on the last 5 years. It was evaluated with the PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 guidelines. Results: Orthodontic treatment increase the prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Preexisting aggressive periodontitis is a great challenge to clinicians when providing orthodontic treatment due to A. actinomycetemcomitans. PCR is the technique of choice as a diagnostic method that is currently used most frequently in research centers. The removal of orthodontic appliances has shown a significant reduction in dentobacterial plaque, as well as proper oral hygiene and, if necessary, the use of alternative treatments such as moxifloxacin and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Conclusions: Correct oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential to reduce the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, thus diminishing cariogenic risk as well as a worsening of periodontal diseases. Keywords: A. actinomycetemcomitans, orthodontics, oral manifestations, treatment and epidemiology 1. Introduction Orthodontic appliances may be associated with increased cariogenic risk and worsening of preexisting periodontal diseases. There is evidence regarding the association between orthodontic appliances and changes in oral microbiota, including A. actinomycetemcomitans [1] . First described in 1912 and variously named during the intervening years, A. actinomycetemcomitans was recognized as a member of the normal human oral microbiota in the 1950s [2] . Facultatively anaerobic, immotile, 0.4 to 0.5 μm × 1.0 to 1.5 μm in size. It grows poorly in ambient air, but well in 5% CO2 [3, 4] . Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a periodontal pathogen that colonizes the oral cavity of a large proportion of the human population [5] . It constitutes one of the leading causes of periodontal disease in young people and adolescents [6, 7] . This organism can induce bone resorption by various virulence factors in periodontal disease [6, 8] . Preserving the integrity of periodontal tissues is one of the main concerns of orthodontic specialists, which has led to the definition of specific hygiene protocols for orthodontic patients [1] . The application of orthodontic appliances makes oral hygiene difficult and increases plaque accumulation, which often leads to gingival inflammation [9, 10] . Currently there is no adequate review of A. actinomycetemcomitans in orthodontics, it is of vital importance that the orthodontist takes into consideration the patient's susceptibility to periodontal disease and during treatment takes the necessary measures to minimize the retention of bacterial plaque where we find A. actinomycetemcomitans.