The Effects of Pranayamic Breathing Techniques and Tongue Exercises on Oral Microbiota in Children Aged 7-12 Years
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 80
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in oral microbiota alpha diversity as measured by the Shannon diversity index from 16S rRNA gene sequencing of saliva samples
Study Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Detailed Description
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 Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
The outcomes assessor responsible for microbiota analysis will be blinded to group allocation. Saliva samples will be coded and anonymized to prevent identification of participants' group assignments.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 7 Years to 12 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Children aged 7-12 years with either mouth breathing or nasal breathing patterns
- •Willingness of both the child and their legal guardian to participate in the study
- •Children who are cooperative and able to comply with the exercise protocol
Exclusion Criteria
- •Refusal of the child or legal guardian to participate in the study
- •Presence of active dental caries or periodontal disease
- •Presence of any systemic disease or regular medication use
- •Use of orthodontic appliances
- •Use of antibiotics or probiotics within the last 4 weeks
Arms & Interventions
Mouth Breathing Group
Participants with mouth breathing habits will be included in this group. A structured program consisting of pranayamic breathing techniques, tongue exercises, and, in selected subgroups, tongue cleaning will be applied. Saliva samples will be collected before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in oral microbiota.
Intervention: Pranayamic Breathing and Tongue Exercises (Behavioral)
Nasal Breathing Group
Participants with nasal breathing habits will be included in this group. A structured program consisting of pranayamic breathing techniques, tongue exercises, and, in selected subgroups, tongue cleaning will be applied. Saliva samples will be collected before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in oral microbiota.
Intervention: Pranayamic Breathing and Tongue Exercises (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in oral microbiota alpha diversity as measured by the Shannon diversity index from 16S rRNA gene sequencing of saliva samples
Time Frame: 8 weeks
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.
Secondary Outcomes
- Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels(8 weeks)
Investigators
Gulcin Ozsen
Principal Investigator
Istanbul Health and Technology University