Efficacy of a novel toothbrush in improving oral hygiene among children with cleft lip and palate - a randomized control trial.

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and palate are the most prevalent orofacial congenital malformation as common as 1 in 5001. These children are born with multiple problems and face multiple traumas physically and psychologically. There is a clear need to develop improved methods of accessing and cleaning areas of high retention of the biofilm, either by the cleft morphology or the sensitivity of the surrounding tissues due to frequent local inflammatory conditions. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of a novel toothbrush in removing dental plaque in cleft lip and palate patients with a regular toothbrush. Materials & method: A total of 44 children aged 8 to 12 years with CLP were clinically examined and pre-operative intraoral pictures were documented. The adapted PI uses 2% erythrosine to stain the bacterial plaque and cleaning conditions were evaluated by visual observation. Data were recorded in the WHO assessment for children in oral hygiene form. Group A and Group B intervened using the novel toothbrush & conventional toothbrush respectively with A follow-up of 3,6,9,12 and 15 months. Results: Groups were analyzed using a chi-square test in which group A showed a significant reduction in plaque compared to group B.[P<0.034] Conclusion: The study shows children using novel toothbrushes not only showed a reduction in plaque but also showed more patient compliance.