EVALUATION OF THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common malformation diagnosed in the craniofacial region of live newborns, resulting from failures in the anatomical fusion of facial processes. From the periodontal point of view, in the region of the cleft, a very shallow vestibule, presence of scar bridles, inadequate amount of keratinized mucosa, longer conjunctive insertion, irregularities in the dental arch, poorly developed bone structures and gingival recessions in the teeth adjacent to the cleft can be observed, these changes affect the ability of patients to maintain adequate oral hygiene. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in individuals with CLP. This is a study involving patients with CLP treated at the Center for Care and Research in Craniofacial Anomalies (CEAPAC) of the University Hospital of Western Paraná (HUOP/UNIOESTE), in Cascavel/PR. Patients were classified according to the type of cleft and in the clinical examination, the measurements of probing depth (SP), attachment level (NI),  gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (SS), width (LG) and thickness of keratinized tissue (TEQ). The mean age of the patients evaluated was 23.26 ± 9.64 years. In the assessment of family income, 53% reported receiving up to 1 minimum wage per person.  The most prevalent type of cleft was that involving the lip, alveolus, and palate (LAP). In the evaluation of PI, GA, SS, ETQ, and GL, there were no statistically significant differences between the types of cleft or when comparing the cleft region with the lower arch. Regarding clinical SP and NI in the cleft region, patients with LAP cleft had a significant increase in the others. The teeth close to the cleft showed significantly higher PS and NI indices when compared to the lower arch. It was observed that periodontal disease in individuals with cleft lip and palate occurs similarly to other populations, and the presence of cleft lip and palate may be an aggravating factor for the prevalence and severity of the disease.