Caries Experience and Periodontal Status in Children and Adolescents with Cleft Lip and Palate

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of dental caries and the periodontal status of children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to compare them with gender- and age-matched control subjects. Methods: A total of 156 five- to 18-year-olds, with or without CLP, were examined for dental caries (decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth and primary surfaces [DMFT and dmfs, respectively] indices), plaque index (PI), the gingival bleeding index (BI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing pocket depth (PPD). Diagnoses of gingivitis (localized and generalized) and periodontitis (mild, moderate, and advanced) were performed. Characteristics such as gender, age group, cleft type, socioeconomic status, dental occlusion, and the use of orthodontic appliance were analyzed. Results: DMFT and dmfs scores were significantly higher in the control group. The PI, BI, and PPD indices were higher in the CLP group. Respectively, in individuals with and without CLP, 49 percent and 75 percent, had good gingival health, 22 percent and 24 percent had localized gingivitis, and 29 percent and one percent had generalized gingivitis. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that caries experience in both dentitions was higher for CLP patients, and the presence of CLP is a determining factor for higher risk of gingival inflammation.