Emergence of the deciduous canines and molars in CLP children

The emergence of the deciduous canines and molars was investigated as part of a longitudinal study into the emergence of the deciduous dentition in Dutch cleft lip and/or palate children (CLP) (Kramer et al., 1989). The study comprised a group of 71 CLP children and 74 normal children that served as a control. Mean emergence ages of the deciduous upper and lower canines and molars were studied. Emergence of the deciduous primary molar on the cleft side was delayed 2 months in the upper jaw and 1 month in the lower jaw in children with an unilateral cleft lip and palate. The deciduous primary molar on the non-cleft side was not delayed as compared with normal children. Local anatomical relationships could be a possible explanation for these findings. The deciduous canines and secondary molars in both jaws showed no significant differences in mean emergence ages as compared with the control group, nor between the different cleft types. No sex differences were found in any of the groups. A table is presented containing the mean emergence ages of all the teeth of the deciduous dentition for the various CLP-groups, divided in cleft and non-cleft side, and the control group.