Caries risk in patients with thalassaemia major

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of dental caries in subjects with thalassaemia major. DESIGN: Clinical examination for dental caries, diagnosed according to the WHO criteria. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 54 thalassaemic patients, 23 aged 6-9 (14 males and 9 females) and 31 aged 12-18 (17 males and 14 females) were examined. OUTCOME MEASURES: dmft, DMFT and plaque scores. RESULTS: The mean dmft was 6.92 for 6-7 year olds and 4.72 for 8-9 year olds. The DMFT values were 6.57 and 5.95 for ages 12-14 and 15-18, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in caries prevalence (dmft/DMFT) between gender or between primary and permanent teeth. Only 17.4 per cent of the children aged 6-9 and 21.4 per cent of 12-18 years olds were caries free. The prevalence of dental caries in the thalassaemia patients was considerably higher (22.7 per cent) than that reported in a normal Jordanian sample (DMFT 6.26 vs 4.84). Very few fillings (1.4 per cent of the examined teeth) were observed, indicating a negligible rate of conservative treatment. More than half (61.1 per cent) of the patients had poor oral hygiene (plaque score > or = 2.0). CONCLUSIONS: The need for effective preventive measures, education and dental treatment need to be stressed for this caries risk group.     

Dental health of dentists' children in Mongolia

Summary. Objectives. To describe the dental health of dentists’ children, to evaluate its association with their dentist‐parents’ background and work‐related characteristics and to compare it with that of children in the general population in Mongolia. Design. Cross‐sectional survey, questionnaire‐based data. Subjects. Dentists’ children, aged 3–13 years. Sample. All dentists (n = 250) actively practising in the capital city of Mongolia. Results. The dentists’ children's dmft ranged from 0 to 12, and DMFT from 0 to 8; 50% were caries‐free. The younger the children, the higher was their total caries experience expressed as the sum of DMFT + dmft scores (r = ?0·22; P = 0·001). Dentist‐parents’ background and work‐related factors were not associated with their children's caries status (P > 0·05). When dentists’ children were compared with their counterparts at the population level, mean dmft for 6‐year‐olds was 2·6 for (urban) dentists’ children, 6·5 for children in the urban population and 0·9 for those in rural population of equivalent age. Mean DMFT for 12‐year‐olds were 1·0, 1·8 and 1·2, respectively, in the same three groups. In general, (urban) dentists’ children in all age groups had better dental health than did their urban counterparts at the population level. Among 5–7‐year‐olds, dentists’ children had worse dental health than did their counterparts in the rural population. Conclusions. Despite the dentists’ knowledge and awareness, their children demonstrated higher rates of dental caries than expected. This suggests that Mongolian dentists may have insufficient preventive orientation. In particular, the primary dentition of younger children seems to be poorly valued. In Mongolia, dentists should have better training and education in modern methods of caries prevention and their advantages. Appreciation and care of the primary dentition need to be improved at all levels of oral health promotion in Mongolia.     

State-level differences in the oral health of Australian preschool and early primary school-age children

Background: This study compares oral health outcomes and behaviours for young Australian children by residential state or territory to determine whether state differences arise from individual exposures to risk factors. Methods: Cross‐sectional data for 4606 2–3 year olds and 4464 6–7 year olds were obtained from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcome measures were parent‐reports of children’s caries experience, frequency of toothbrushing and dental services use. Results: For 2–3 year olds, children from the Australian Capital Territory were less likely to have parent‐reported caries than children from other states, and more likely to brush their teeth twice daily and to have used dental services. For 6–7 year olds, optimal outcomes were observed in New South Wales for lowest caries experience, Western Australia for highest toothbrushing, and South Australia for highest dental services use. Adjustments for socio‐demographic predictors did not eliminate state differences in oral health. Conclusions: Large state differences in the oral health of young children persisted after adjustment for individual socio‐demographic determinants, suggesting these arise from variations in the systems to promote and care for children’s oral health. Several states would benefit from a stronger emphasis on oral health promotion in young children, and disparities from a young age suggest the need for better engagement of early childhood professionals in oral health promotion.     

Parental risk attitudes and caries-related behaviours among immigrant and western native children in Oslo

OBJECTIVES: Immigrant children make up a large proportion of the school populations in many western cities. It is likely that their parents have different attitudes and knowledge of dental health than resident populations, and thus provide a challenge to public dental services. This study sought to map existing disparities in oral health among immigrant and western native children in Oslo and to identify differences in parental, cultural and ethnic beliefs and attitudes towards oral health and caries-related behaviours. METHODS: Caries was recorded of 735 children (3- and 5-year olds), supplemented with radiographs among 5-year olds. Their parents responded to a questionnaire. RESULTS: Immigrant background, consumption of sweet drinks at bed and social status were the dominant caries risk indicators among the 3-year olds. Among the 5-year olds, the caries risk indicators were immigrant background, parental indulgence, attitude to diet, attitude to oral hygiene, social status and age starting toothbrushing. Being an immigrant was closely associated with higher caries prevalence and experience. Parental attitudes to oral hygiene, diet and indulgence, and caries-related behaviours distinguished immigrants from western natives. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that immigrant groups in western societies require different information packages, modified strategies for forming oral hygiene habits and attitudes related to dental care of children, and encouragement to exercise discipline on factors known to be risks for oral health. These strategies must recognize that immigrants and western natives attach different levels of importance to oral health and dental parameters. It should be paid extra attention to some caries high-risk subgroups.     

Evidence for reversal of the caries decline among Norwegian children

Summary. Objective. The purpose of the present study was to report on caries status and to explore possible reasons for changes in caries experience among 5‐ and 12‐year‐old Norwegian children. Design. National cross‐sectional and time trend study. Methods. Aggregated data from the Public Dental Services and from official statistics were used. Information was available on the total number of children, the proportion receiving treatment, sale of fluoride tablets, socio‐economic background, caries prevalence and dmft/DMFT scores. Results. The prevalence of caries among 5‐year‐olds reached a low of 30·4% in 1997 and increased to 38·9% in 2000. The mean dmft scores increased from 1·1 to 1·5. Conversely, the prevalence of caries among 12‐year‐olds decreased from 55·4% in 1997 to 52·2% in 2000 and the mean DMFT score from 1·7 to 1·5. Bivariate analyses at county level revealed significant associations, which for the most part disappeared in multivariate analyses. The sale of fluoride tablets had a significant effect on caries prevalence among 5‐year‐olds in 1998, in 1999 and in 2000. Infant mortality was associated with the dmft score in 1999. The only consistently significant predictor of caries experience at 12 years of age was caries prevalence at age 5. Conclusions. There has been a highly significant increase in caries experience among 5‐year‐olds (P < 0·001) and a levelling off among 12‐year‐olds over the past 3 years. Considering the association between caries prevalence at age 5 and caries experience at 12 years of age, there is a need for reassessment of the caries preventive programmes for children in Norway.     

Dental treatment needs of children in a rural subcounty of Uganda

Objectives. To describe normative dental treatment needs of 5–7 and 12‐year‐olds in a rural sub county of Uganda and devise a strategy to improve oral health. Design. Clinical survey. Setting. Primary schools in the subcounty. Sample and methods. School‐based random cluster sample of 236 5–7‐year‐olds and 202 12‐year‐olds. Dental status and treatment need data were collected according to WHO Oral Health Surveys Basic Methods. Additional data for 12‐year‐olds included dental fluorosis using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI), oral hygiene procedures and experience of oral pain in the previous month. Results. In the 5–7‐year‐olds, mean dmft was 1·47 (50·8% dmft = 0). A total of 52·5% needed fillings and almost one third needed a tooth extracted. Among the 12‐year‐olds, mean DMFT was 0·64 (65·8% DMFT = 0), 28·5% had dental fluorosis and 6·7% had TFI > 2. Toothache in the previous four weeks was reported by 36·5%, 30·2% needed a filling and 6·4% needed one or more teeth extracted. Conclusions. Dental disease is a significant public health problem in this population. An efficient way to meet the needs of the children would be to increase the availability of fluoride toothpaste and to develop a service to provide treatment using Atraumatic Restorative Technique.     

Trends in dental caries experience of school children in Australia - 1977 to 1993

Data on the dental health of Australian school children from 1977 to 1985 have previously been reported. Significant features included a secular decline in caries experience as defined by the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth in both the deciduous dentition (dmft index) and permanent dentition (DMFT index), and a change in the distribution of caries experience within the child population in Australia, indicated by increasingly smaller percentages of children accounting for greater proportions of total disease experience. The aim of the present paper was to extend the annual reporting on caries experience in Australia up to and including 1993, and to document the change in the distribution of caries within the child population since 1977. In addition, the data are compared with dental targets for children for the year 2000 in Australia and internationally. Caries data were obtained for the years 1977–1993 for children who were patients at School Dental Services in each State and Territory of Australia. Caries experience was recorded by uncalibrated dentists and dental therapists during routine dental examinations. From 1977-89 data were weighted by State and Territory estimated resident populations. From 1989, the data were stratified according to age, year, and State, and weighted to reflect proportions in the national estimated resident population for each State/age stratum. Between 1977 and 1993 there has been a decline in caries experience for 6 year old children from a dift? of 3.13 to a dmft of 1.90, and an increase in the per cent with dmft=0 from 33.1 per cent to 53.2 per cent with dmft=0 in 1993. Over the same time period the DMFT for 12 year olds reduced from 4.79 to 1.10 and the per cent while DMFT=0 increased from 10.5 per cent to 53.1 per cent. Projection of the decline in DMFT indicates the dental health target for 12 year old children of DMFT=1.0 by the year 2000 should have been achieved by the end of 1995     

Prevalence and severity of dental caries in 5- and 12-year old children in the Veneto Region (Italy)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of dental caries among 5- and 12-year-old children in Northeastern Italy and to compare dental status between immigrants and native-born children. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional survey of 260 5-year-olds and 862 12-year-olds was carried out between October 2003 and May 2004. Dental caries were diagnosed at the caries into dentine (D3) threshold. Differences in dental health status were compared between immigrant and native-born children for both age groups. RESULTS: Among 5-year-old children, mean dmft was 1.45 (SD=2.69), SiC=4.31, 65.8% had no caries. Immigrant 5-year-olds (6.2%) scored more poorly than their Italian counterparts: mean dmft was 5.12 (vs. 1.21; p<0.001) and only 25.0% were caries free (vs. 68.4%; p<0.001). Among 12-year-olds, mean DMFT was 1.44 (SD=2.00), SiC=3.88, 55.1% had DMFT=0: 5.6% also had poorer dental status: mean DMFT was 3.23 (vs. 1.33; p<0.001), SiC=6.69 (vs. 3.66), and only 17.1% had DMFT 0 (vs. 56.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries and care obtained for both age groups are similar to those of other industrialised countries. When our results for 12-year-olds were compared with those of two previous surveys (1984 and 1994), a major decline in the prevalence of dental caries was observed. Being immigrant was a strong determinant in caries occurrence.     

Factors associated with prevalence and severity of caries experience in preschool children

Abstract – Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and severity of caries experience in the primary dentition of preschool children and to assess the association of disease distribution with oral hygiene levels, reported oral health behaviours and socio‐demographic factors. Methods: Study samples comprised 1250 3‐year‐old and 1283 5‐year‐old pre‐school children from four distinct geographical areas in Flanders. Information on oral hygiene and dietary habits, oral health behaviours and socio‐demographic variables was collected using questionnaires completed by the parents. Clinical examinations were performed using standardized criteria. Caries experience was recorded at the level of cavitation (d₃ level). Simple as well as multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed in order to identify factors associated with prevalence and severity of caries experience. Results: Visible plaque was present in 31% of 3‐year‐olds and 37% of 5‐year‐olds. In 3‐year‐olds, 7% presented with caries experience while this was the case in 31% of 5‐year‐olds. Multivariable logistic regression revealed significant associations, in 3‐year‐olds, of caries experience with presence of dental plaque (OR = 7.93; 95% CI: 2.56–24.55) and reported consumption of sugared drinks at night (OR = 7.96; 95% CI: 1.57–40.51). In 5‐year‐olds, significant associations were seen with age (OR = 7.79; 95% CI: 2.38–25.43), gender (OR = 0.37 with 95% CI: 0.19–0.71 for girls), presence of visible dental plaque (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.64–6.89) and reported habit of having sugar‐containing drinks in between meals (OR = 2.60 with 95% CI: 1.16–5.84 and OR = 3.18 with 95% CI: 1.39–7.28, respectively for 1×/day and > 1×/day versus not every day). In 5‐year‐olds with caries experience (30.8% of total sample), the severity of disease was further analysed (d₃mft between 1 and 4 versus d₃mft 5 or higher). Multivariable analyses showed a significant association with gender [girls more likely to have higher disease levels; OR = 4.67 (95% CI: 1.65–13.21)] and with presence of plaque (OR = 3.91 with 95% CI: 1.23–12.42). Conclusions: Presence of visible plaque accumulation and reported consumption of sugared drinks were associated with prevalence of caries experience in Flemish preschool children. Severity of disease was associated with gender and with presence of plaque. Results underline the importance of plaque control and diet management from very young age on.     

Dental caries trends among indigenous and non-indigenous Australian children

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in dental caries among indigenous and non-indigenous children in an Australian territory. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Routinely-collected data from a random selection of 6- and 12-year-old indigenous and non-indigenous children enrolled in the Northern Territory School Dental Service from 1989-2000 were obtained. The association of indigenous status with caries prevalence (percent dmft or DMFT>0 and percent dmft>3 or DMFT>1), caries severity (mean dmft or DMFT) and treatment need (percent d/dmft or D/DMFT) was examined. RESULTS: Results were obtained for 10,687 6- and 12-year old indigenous children and 21,777 6- and 12-year-old non-indigenous children from 1989-2000. Across all years, indigenous 6-year-olds had higher caries prevalence in the deciduous dentition, greater mean dmft and percent d/dmft, and indigenous 12-year-olds had greater percent D/DMFT than their non-indigenous counterparts (p<0.05). From 1996-2000 the mean dmft and percent d/dmft for indigenous 6-year-olds and mean DMFT and percent D/DMFT for indigenous 12-year-olds increased, yet remained relatively constant for their non-indigenous counterparts (p<0.05). From 1997-2000, the percent dmft>3 for 6-year-old indigenous children was more than double that of non-indigenous children, while across the period 1994-2000, indigenous 6-year-old mean dmft was more than double that of their non-indigenous counterparts (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous children in our study experienced consistently poorer oral health than non-indigenous children. The severity of dental caries among indigenous children, particularly in the deciduous dentition, appears to be increasing while that of non-indigenous children has remained constant. Our findings suggest that indigenous children carry a disproportionate amount of the dental caries burden among Northern Territory 6- and 12-year-olds.     

Oral health status, treatment needs, and obstacles to dental care among noninstitutionalized children with severe mental disabilities in The Netherlands

The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status, treatment needs, and barriers to dental care of noninstitutionalized children in The Netherlands who have severe disabilities. The oral health status of 61 children (38% female; 4-12 years of age; M = 7.7, SD = 2.2), randomly selected from seven different daycare centers, was evaluated. Caretakers (n = 126) and dentists (n = 40) completed questionnaires concerning demographic information, oral hygiene, frequency of dental visits, and possible barriers to the daily oral care of the children. Of all the children, 57.4% had untreated caries (mean dmft/DMFT = 3.0; SD = 3.1). The proportion of caries-free children was 29.5%. In comparison to Dutch children, a significantly higher proportion of children with disabilities belonging to an ethnic minority did not receive any routine dental care (53.1% and 23.8%, respectively). Caretakers considered the noncooperation of their patients as the most troublesome aspect of their daily oral care (68%). Dentists considered communication problems as the most important barrier to treatment (75%). In conclusion, Dutch noninstitu-tionalized children with severe disabilities still receive a relatively low degree of quality dental care. This is particularly true for children from ethnic minority groups.     

Prevalence of dental caries and caries-related risk factors in premature and term children

This study evaluated the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely-born children and term children. Eighty children were examined, 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born term (G2), in the age group between 5 and 10 years. The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were recorded on a questionnaire. The teeth were examined for presence of deficiencies of the enamel and caries that were registered. The caries were registered, focusing on the indices dmft (decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth) and DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth). The results showed that 75% of the total sample had enamel defects. The logistic regression model showed that other risk factors such as per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases had no correlation with enamel defects and caries. A smaller value of total DMFT (0.95) was found in the group of premature children in comparison to the term children (2.07) p = 0.0164. There was no difference concerning the permanent dentition between the two groups (p = 0.9926). One concludes that prematurity can't be a predisposing factor for the presence of dental caries.     

Caries experience and oral hygiene status of blind, deaf and mentally retarded female children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the caries experience and oral hygiene status in blind, deaf and mentally retarded female children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: All (N=218) the 6-7-year-old and 11-12-year-old blind, deaf and mentally retarded female children registered with the Presidency of Girls' Education schools in Riyadh were examined for dental caries and oral hygiene in a dental operatory setting. RESULTS: All (100%) the blind 6-7-year-old had caries with a mean dmft score of 6.58 (SD 2.02). The caries prevalence in blind 11-12-year-olds was 88.2% with a mean DMFT score of 3.89 (SD 2.67). Among 6-7-year-old blind children 8.3 %, and in 11-12-year-old blind children 29.4% had good oral hygiene. The caries prevalence in deaf 6-7-year-olds was 95.7% with a mean dmft score of 7.35 (SD 3.51). The caries prevalence in 11-12-year-old deaf children was 93% with a mean DMFT of 5.12 (SD 3.45). Less than one-fifth (17.4%) of the 6-7-year-old deaf children and only 7.0% of 11-12-year-old deaf children had good oral hygiene. The caries prevalence in mentally retarded 6-7-year-old was 93.9% with a mean dmft of 8.00 (SD 4.1). All the mentally retarded 11-12-year-old had carious teeth with a mean DMFT score of 5.81 (SD 2.95). Only 3.1% of the mentally retarded 6-7-year-old and none of the mentally retarded 11-12-year-olds had good oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: Caries prevalence and severity in all the three groups of female special children were very high, and the number of children with good oral hygiene was very low.     

Oral health in Hlabisa, KwaZulu/Natal--a rural school and community based survey

AIMS: To investigate rates of dental caries and periodontal disease, available dental services and resources and perceived needs in a rural South African community. DESIGN: A cross-sectional field study including situational analysis and focus group discussions. SETTING: KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 520 children, adolescents and adults. METHODS: WHO caries scores and periodontal CPI score were determined through clinical examinations in five age groups, 5-6 years, 12 y, 15 y, 35-54 y, 55 y+. Focus groups included ten 15-year-old children and ten adults. RESULTS: Caries prevalences and (mean scores) were 5-6 y 64% (dmft 3.0), 12 y 24% (DMFT 0.4), 15 y 27% (DMFT 0.8), 35-54 69% (DFT 2.6) and 55 y+ 80% (DFT 2.7). Most caries was untreated and where present, treatment had been extraction. Dental caries rates were low and except for 5-6 y were within WHO targets for the year 2000. Periodontal disease prevalence was high but would respond to improved oral hygiene. Knowledge of oral health was rudimentary. CONCLUSIONS: A district-wide oral health promotion programme is required preceded by research to define effective health education messages. Access to simple but effective preventive and curative services would seem reasonable. In view of the lack of resources ART is suggested as caries treatment.     

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of children and adolescents in China

Objectives : A national representative study to describe oral health behaviour, illness behaviour, oral health knowledge and attitudes among 12‐year‐old and 18‐year‐old Chinese, to analyse the oral health behaviour profile of the two age groups in relation to province and urbanisation, and to assess the relative effect of socio‐behavioural risk factors on dental caries experience. Methods : The total number of 4,400 of each age group were selected and data were collected by clinical examinations (WHO criteria) and self‐administered structured questionnaires. Results : 44.4% of the respondents brushed their teeth at least twice a day but only 17% used fluoridated toothpaste. Subjects who saw a dentist during the previous 12 months or two years were 31.3% and 35.3% for 12‐year‐olds and 22.5% and 20.2% for 18‐year‐olds, respectively. Nearly one third (29%) of 12 year‐olds and 40.5% of 18‐year‐olds would visit a dentist in case of signs of caries but only when in pain. Nearly half of the participants (47.2%) had never received any oral health care instruction. Significant variations in oral health practices were found according to province and regular dental care habits were more frequent in urban than in rural areas. The risk of dental caries was high in the case of frequent consumption of sweets and dental caries risk was low for participants with use of fluoridated toothpaste. Conclusion : Systematic community‐oriented oral health promotion programmes are needed to target lifestyles and the needs of children, particularly for those living in rural areas. A prevention‐oriented oral health care policy would seem more advantageous than the present curative approach.     

Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of dental caries and restorative dental treatment in Brazilian children

Aim : This study assesses disparities in the oral health status of Brazilian black and white children. Participants : 11‐and 12‐year‐old schoolchildren living in 131 cities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods : Spatial data analysis of city‐level indexes of oral health, socio‐economic status and provision of dental services. Main outcome measures : Ethnic ratios of the DMFT and the care index. Results : White children had higher indexes of caries in permanent teeth than their black counterparts, concurrent with a higher utilisation of dental attendance. The gap of caries prevalence between black and white children was reduced in cities with a better profile of socio‐economic status. Cities with higher per‐capita yearly budget, expenditure in health, and provision of public dental services presented reduced indications of ethnic inequality in dental care. Conclusion : The knowledge of conditions associated with a lower ethnic discrepancy in the risk of caries and in the incorporation of dental services can be used to design socially appropriate dental services. An improved community dental service, higher public expenditure in health and per‐capita municipal yearly budget contribute effectively to reducing inequities in oral health by allowing an incorporation of restorative dental treatment more equitably distributed between black and white children.     

Dental caries and oral hygiene status of 13-14 year old school children of Davangere

2,007 children from 11 schools, selected through stratified random sampling were examined for dental caries and oral hygiene status. The Mean DMFT was found to be 2.85 and 3.40, mean DMFS 3.76 and 4.56 in 13 and 14 year olds, respectively. Females recorded higher mean values of DMFT (3.37) than males (2.94). There was no significant difference in the mean values of OHI (S). The overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be higher among 14-year-old children compared to 13 year children.     

Dentition status and treatment needs among children with impaired hearing attending a special school for the deaf and mute in Udaipur, India

The present cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of caries and treatment needs among 127 institutionalized subjects aged 5-22 years attending a special school for students with hearing impairment in Udaipur City, Rajasthan, India. The data were collected using the methods and standards recommended by the WHO for oral health surveys, 1997. Dentition status and treatment needs along with DMFT, DMFS, dmft, dmfs were recorded using a Type III examination procedure. ANOVA, chi-squared test and multiple regression analysis were conducted using the SPSS software package (version 11.0). The mean DMFT was 2.61. Of the 127 subjects, 111 (87.4 %) needed treatment. Filling of one tooth surface was necessary for 79.5% of the subjects. Pulp treatment was needed in less than 7%. There was a high prevalence (83.92%) of decayed teeth, whereas only 7.14% of subjects had filled teeth. Multiple regression analysis showed that DMFT had a close association with age. Linear regression analysis revealed that age explained a variance of 32% and 25.4% for DMFT and dmft respectively The findings of this study demonstrate that young people with impaired hearing in this region have a high prevalence of dental caries, poor oral hygiene, and extensive unmet needs for dental treatment. This highly alarming situation requires immediate attention.     

Dental and oral hygiene status in Jordanian children with cleft lip and palate: a comparison between unilateral and bilateral clefts

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 30–36
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00426.x
Hazza’a AM, Rawashdeh MA, Al‐Nimri K, Al Habashneh R. Dental and oral hygiene status in Jordanian children with cleft lip and palate: a comparison between unilateral and bilateral clefts. Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the dental health and oral hygiene status of subjects with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Methods: Oral and dental examinations were carried out in 98 children with cleft lip and palate and 98 unaffected subjects matching in gender and age, using the standard dental indices dmft and DMFT. Plaque and gingival indices were scored using the plaque and gingival indices of Silness and Löe. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was significantly higher in children with cleft lip and palate than their control in both permanent and deciduous teeth. Patients with BCLP experienced more dental caries than unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients in both dentitions. Similarly, plaque accumulation and gingivitis were significantly higher in the cleft lip and palate patients compared with their controls. Only plaque accumulation was significantly higher in the BCLP patients than in the UCLP patients. Conclusion: Bilateral cleft lip and palate patients appear to be at a higher risk of caries experience and poorer in oral hygiene than those with UCLP patients. These findings not only provide a baseline for oral health parameters in patients with cleft lip and palate but also emphasize the need for intensive preventive measures of oral disease to optimize clinical outcome.