Comparison of the efficacy of different periodic periodontal scaling protocols for oral hygiene in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances: A prospective cohort study

•Effect of periodontal scaling was studied in adolescent orthodontic patients.•Periodic scaling inhibited plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.•Aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in gingival crevicular fluid were reduced.•Scaling performed monthly or every 3 months is more effective than every 6 months.