This study aims to evaluate the effects of pranayamic breathing techniques and tongue exercises on oral microbiota in children aged 7-12 years. Children will be grouped according to their breathing patterns (mouth or nasal breathing), and a structured breathing and tongue exercise program will be applied. Saliva samples will be collected before and after the intervention to analyze changes in oral microbiota. The study will include approximately 80 participants and is expected to last for 6 months. There are no anticipated risks for participants. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between breathing patterns, oral exercises, and oral health in children.
This study is designed to investigate the effects of pranayamic breathing techniques, tongue exercises, and tongue cleaning on oral microbiota in children aged 7-12 years. Participants will be classified based on their breathing patterns as mouth breathers or nasal breathers. Each group will undergo a structured intervention program that includes specific breathing techniques, tongue exercises, and, in selected subgroups, tongue cleaning over a defined period. Saliva samples will be collected from all participants before and after the intervention. These samples will be analyzed using microbiological methods to evaluate changes in oral microbiota composition. The study aims to compare the microbiological outcomes between different breathing patterns and to assess the potential benefits of the applied interventions. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants and their legal guardians prior to participation. All collected samples and data will be anonymized to ensure participant confidentiality. This research is expected to provide insights into the relationship between breathing habits, oral functions, tongue hygiene practices, and oral microbial balance in children. The findings may contribute to preventive and therapeutic approaches in pediatric dentistry, particularly in managing the effects of mouth breathing on oral health.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
80
Participants will perform a structured program including pranayamic breathing techniques and tongue exercises, and, in selected subgroups, tongue cleaning. The program will be applied regularly over the study period, and saliva samples will be collected before and after the intervention to assess changes in oral microbiota.
Dentistun Oral and Dental Health Center, Istanbul Health and Technology University
Istanbul, Bahcelievler, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGChange in oral microbiota alpha diversity as measured by the Shannon diversity index from 16S rRNA gene sequencing of saliva samples
This outcome evaluates the effect of the intervention (pranayamic breathing exercises, tongue exercises, and tongue-cleaning practice) on the diversity of the oral microbiota. Alpha diversity will be assessed from saliva samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantified using the Shannon diversity index. The mean Shannon index at baseline will be compared with the value after the 8-week intervention, and the change from baseline will be reported.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels
Salivary nitric oxide levels will be measured using test strips before and after the intervention.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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