Background:

Patients with orthodontic treatment present alterations due to the plaque addition caused by the appliances, which requires greater control of oral hygiene.

Objective:

To delve into the current criteria on oral hygiene in patients with orthodontic treatment to maintain their oral health.

Development:

A bibliographic search was conducted in biomedical databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Ebsco, Cumed and Lilacs. Out of 86 scientific articles, the 39 most updated were selected. The accuracies of oral hygiene during the treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances, the existence of the Orthodontic Plaque Index as an adjusted index for these patients, the procedures for bacterial plaque control, the relationship between the use of appliances and salivary pH, as well as the importance of health education to increase patients' motivation towards oral hygiene were ascertained.

Conclusions:

Oral hygiene is the most important factor to preserve periodontal health and prevent dental caries during orthodontic treatment. Guidance by professionals is required to motivate patients through oral health promotion and prevention.

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