Assessment of Caries Risk Through Clinical and Salivary Parameters in Pediatric Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess caries-related indicators (DMFT and ICDAS indices), plaque index, salivary pH and buffering capacity, and dietary and oral hygiene habits in patients with cleft lip and/or palate undergoing orthodontic treatment, compared with a control group of healthy patients.

METHODS

This pilot case-control study included 26 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, 13 patients with cleft lip and/or palate and 13 healthy individuals. The following variables were assessed: diet and oral hygiene through a questionnaire; salivary pH and buffering capacity; caries risk, using the DMFT and ICDAS indices; and plaque index, using the ImageJ Software.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were detected in the DMFT index, salivary pH, and plaque index; nor in the diet, oral hygiene and salivary buffering capacity. A slightly higher plaque index was observed in patients with cleft lip and/or palate compared to healthy patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the location of plaque, with a higher incidence in the upper central incisors in the study group.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests no statistically significant differences in the DMFT index, plaque index, salivary pH, and buffering capacity between patients with cleft lip and/or palate and healthy controls undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, a higher incidence of bacterial plaque on the upper central incisors was observed in patients with cleft lip and/or palate.