353 - The Impact of Tonsillectomy on Intraoral pH and Caries Incidence in Pediatric Patients

Abstract: Mouth breathing is one of the most common adverse oral habits in the pediatric population. In addition to nasal obstruction due to upper respiratory illnesses, hypertrophy of tonsils and/or adenoids can contribute to mouth breathing in children. Recent studies show that sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) have associations with anatomical features, such as an enlarged tongue, tonsils, or uvula, and can lead to dental problems such as narrow dental arches and crowding of teeth. Patients with SRBD exhibit a higher frequency of mouth breathing which can contribute to caries formation. Salivary flow allows for regulation of bacteria in the oral cavity as well as the mechanical washing away of food and other debris, thus preventing caries formation. In patients with tonsillar hypertrophy, salivary flow can be reduced due to mouth breathing, resulting in pH imbalance and consequently an increase in caries incidence and periodontal problems. This study aims to investigate intraoral pH of pediatric patients before and after tonsillectomy and the incidence of caries formation.

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