Caries Experience in Filipino Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate from the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation, Philippines

Objective. This study aims to provide an overview and statistical data on the prevalence of dental caries and caries index scores in Filipino children from the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Incorporated (NCFPI).

Methods. A retrospective quantitative descriptive study was undertaken based on pretreatment records of 332 children aged 2 to12 years, with cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP), or cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Results. The prevalence of caries ranged from 81% to 100%. There were significant differences in dmft scores between the 2 to 5 year-olds and the 6 to 9 year-olds (p<0.0001), and between the 6 to 9 year-olds and the 10 to 12 year-olds (p<0.0001). There were also significant differences between the DMFT scores of the 6 to 9 year-olds and the 10 to 12 year-olds (p<0.0001), between the CL and CP groups (p<0.0001), and between the CL and CLP groups(p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in dmft and DMFT scores between the males and females.

Conclusion. There is high caries prevalence in children with CL, CP and CLP. Caries index scores are higher with increasing age. Poor oral hygiene and the presence of other predisposing factors increase their susceptibility to caries.