EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF TOOTH DECAY IN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Statistical analysis was based on the non-parametric Pearson correlation, frequency analysis and linear regression method for determining the functional interrelationships between variables. Children with cleft lip and palate, with ages between 18 months and 4 years, represent a group with a significantly increased risk of developing dental caries in upper incisors, compared to children with other craniofacial anomalies [3-5]. Comparative studies currently available on the prevalence of dental caries in patients with cleft lip and palate show a remarkable variation of results. In general dental practice, it is visible that patients with various types of cleft are susceptible to caries regardless of the socio-economic status, so that implementation of preventive programs is an absolute must. The survey was oriented along two directions: * Evaluation of clinical indicators of dental hygiene and assessment questionnaires filled in by parents of children with cleft. * Evaluation of clinical indicators of Index (dmft) and study of the etiopathogenic correlations established in preschool children with cleft lip and palate. 2.MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted on a sample of 64 children with various types of cleft lip and palate (32 children with unilateral cleft cleft lip and palate, 17 children with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 5 children with cleft lip and 10 children with cleft palate), aged between 3 and 6 years, treated in the Orthodontics Clinic of "Apollonia" University. In terms of distribution according to type of cleft, there results : * cleft palate - 10 cases (15.°