STATUS OF CARRIES AND ORAL HYGIENE IN THE GROUP OF CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE CHILDREN

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of caries and oral hygiene in a group of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Margalla Dental Hospital, Rawalpindi for one-year duration from August 2019 to August 2020. Methods: A total of 84 children with cleft (45 men and 39 women) were examined for caries and oral hygiene. Children were divided into two age groups; Group A with children from one to six years old and group B with children from seven to 14 years old. All children in both age groups had tooth decay. Results: The mean dmft score (decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth) in children from group A was 10.54 (SD 4.59). In children from group B, the total mean DMFT / DMFT score (decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent teeth) was 10.92 (SD 4.90), respectively. No statistically significant (p> 0.05) difference was found between the mean DMFT / DMFT results depending on the age and sex of children with cleft. More than half (54.7%) of the children had poor oral hygiene. Conclusion: In conclusion; the incidence and severity of caries was high in children with clefts. Most of the children had poor oral hygiene. Key words: dental caries, oral hygiene, cleft lip and palate, children