Aim. Evaluation of the extension of caries risk and incidence of decays of temporary teeth in children with cleft lip and palate. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 64 children with various types of cleft lip and palate (31 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate, 18 children with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 5 children with cleft lip and 10 children with cleft palate), aged between 3 and 6 years, investigated in the Orthodontics Clinic of „Apollonia” University. The tooth surfaces were examined with the probe and the mirror, incipient caries and tooth decay with manifest cavities detectable by probing being identified. The gingival status was examined, whichever the inflammatory signs from the free gingival margin and papillae. Oral hygiene was rated by the presence/absence of dental biofilm after examining the buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth. Statistical analysis was based on the non-parametric Pearson correlation, frequency analysis and linear regression method for determining the functional interrelationships between variables. Results and discussion. In children with cleft lip and palate, the highest incidence of caries occurs on the upper deciduous central incisors and first molars. Carious lesions of the central and lateral incisors tend to increase and decrease in frequency symmetrically and have a strong causal relationship. In 80.6% of cases, the decay of central incisors causes caries on the lateral incisors. Mean number of teeth affected by caries in temporary dentition at ages between 4-6 years is 7.27. The average ratio of dmft is 8.6136, a quite higher value, compared with the normal values registered in normal children, evidencing a faster and more rapid development of dental caries. Poor oral hygiene is associated with cleft and number of caries. It seems that the parents of children with cleft lip and palate have difficulties in implementing an effective brushing technique, given the particular anatomy of the cleft area, immobility of the lip scar and fear of harming or irritating the alveolar dehiscence. In our study, children often come from families with a low socio-economic status and a low level of education on oral healthcare. Only 27.3% of patients in our study group are active and follow controlled fluoridation programs. Conclusions.1. Parents of children with birth defects should be better motivated to achieve a correct and complete oral hygiene. 2. Oral health programs and interventions aimed at professionally controlling dental plaque in temporary dentition are strongly needed. 3. Treatment of caries on deciduous teeth, requiring professionists and financial support by national programs, is beneficial and necessary.
Keywords:- caries
- cleft lip and palate
- temporary dentition