To Determine Dental Caries & Oral Health Status of Patients with Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Up to 18 Years of Age - A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The aim of this study will be to assess the prevalence of dental defects and oral health related quality of life in Cleft patients up to 18 years old children in Rajasthan. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of hundred cleft patients in the study group and hundred patients in the control group of under 18 years of age. Clinical examination was performed on all the patients to detect dental caries using DMFT/dmft index andoral hygiene status using OHI-S index. Student?s t-test was used to compare the means between cleft group and the control group. The Chi-square test was employed to determine statistical differences in frequencies between the two groups and also we have evaluated the prevalence rate of dental defects according to their age criteria. Results: Poor oral hygiene and periodontal status was observed in cleft patients, respectively. In all tested dental defects, a higher frequency of dental anomalies was noted in the cleft patients as compared with the controls. There was also some significant difference in dental anomalies according to their age variations. Conclusion: This study shows that cleft children have higher prevalence of dental anomalies than normal children. It?s essential that the patient with a cleft is monitored closely with regular follow up. Education about oral health must be given repeatedly.