Oral health status of patients with repaired cleft lip and palate: A prospective study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the oral hygiene habits, levels of dental caries, and periodontal condition of patients with repaired cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in Central Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 patients (1–54 years old; median: 6 years) with CL/P were examined for dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index, gingival bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket depth. Data about dental visits, brushing habits and socioeconomic status were collected. Results: A majority of patients brushed their teeth at least once a day with fluoride dentifrice but did not floss. The caries prevalence was 87.2%. The dmft of patients aged ≤ 5 years and 6–12 years were 7.4 and 9.0. The DMFT of patients aged 6–12 years, and ≥ 13 years were 1.6, and 6.7; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The percentages of patients who had bleeding on probing and had periodontal pocket depth 3.5–5.5 mm were 57.7% and 5.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with repaired CL/P in Central Vietnam had a very high level of caries and had signs of gingivitis but not periodontitis. It is recommended to implement dental care in the treatment protocol for patients with CL/P.