Comparison of caries prevalence in two populations of cleft patients

To assess and compare the oral and dental status and the level of oral health care among Polish and German patients with cleft lip and palate treated in Łódź and Erlangen, followed by an assessment of the level of realization of oral care procedures.

Oral and dental status were assessed by the presence of dental plaque and caries lesions. Parents of each patient completed a questionnaire related to frequency of tooth brushing, frequency of dental visits, and the use of means with increased fluoride content.

Department of Dentistry for Developmental Ages, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland, and Department of Orthodontics, University of Erlangen-Nuremburg, Erlangen, Germany.

Thirty-seven Polish patients were examined between February and April 2004. Sixty-three German patients were examined between October 2004 and August 2005.

In Erlangen, decayed teeth = 1.625, missing teeth = 0.014, and filled teeth = 2.39. In Łódź, decayed teeth = 2.5, missing teeth = 0.09, and filled teeth = 0.75. Among the subjects with Approximal Plaque Index scores <40%, the Decayed-Missing-Filled-Teeth Index was significantly higher in Polish than in German patients. In the total population of patients, a positive correlation between the value of the API Index and caries intensity was recorded. Declared parents' answers did not copy the actual oral cavity status.

Caries prevalence in each group was much higher than in the general population and significantly higher among Polish than German cleft patients. Programs for cleft children promoting oral health, especially aimed at plaque control, are recommended in the early stages of the children's lives.