Caries experience in individuals with cleft lip and palate

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess if children with clefts have an increased caries experience. Methods: Caries data was collected via clinical examination of 115 4- to 21-year-olds with clefts and 230 controls. Cleft type was confirmed through their medical records and fluoride exposure history; oral hygiene habits and dietary history were obtained though a questionnaire. Results: The adherence to the preventive oral health habits (toothbrushing, use of fluoride, and dietary factors) were not different among groups excluding the use of dental floss. The mean DMFT was 1.20 (±1.8 SD) for the cleft group and 0.90 (±1.8) for the control group. There was no significant difference in the DMFT scores between children with clefts and the control group (P=.16). The mean dmft was 1.68 (±2.1) for the cleft group and 2.61 (±2.9) for the control group. The prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth was significantly lower in the cleft-affected children vs the control group (P=.02).The percentage of caries-free individuals was similar in cleft and control groups (P=.90), and was also similar in different cleft types (P=.67). Conclusion: Caries experience in children born with clefts is not higher in comparison to control children.