The Prevalence of Caries in Children with a Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Southern Vietnam

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of caries in South Vietnamese children with a known oral cleft. Setting The children were screened at local dental hospitals in five different cities in southern Vietnam. Participants One hundred fifty-four children aged 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 14 to 16 years old with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both were included in the study. Outcome Measurements For every age group, clefts were divided in four types. The dmft/DMFT was specified according to criteria of the World Health Organization (1997). Results The mean number of teeth affected by caries was 9.95 for 4- to 6-year-old children, 2.97 for 11- to 13-year-old children, and 4.93 for 14- to 16-year-old children, respectively. Four- to 6-year-old children with a unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate had significantly more caries and a higher dmft (decayed, missing, and filled teeth index) than children of the same age with only a cleft lip or a cleft lip and alveolus. Conclusions Vietnamese children with an oral cleft have high numbers of teeth affected by dental caries, and special attention will be necessary for their oral health.