Caries Experience and Periodontal Status in Children and Adolescents with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of dental caries and the periodontal status of children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to compare them with gender- and age-matched control subjects.

Methods: A total of 156 five- to 18-year-olds, with or without CLP, were examined for dental caries (decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth and primary surfaces [DMFT and dmfs, respectively] indices), plaque index (PI), the gingival bleeding index (BI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing pocket depth (PPD). Diagnoses of gingivitis (localized and generalized) and periodontitis (mild, moderate, and advanced) were performed.