Evaluation of Microflora and Initial Oral Hygiene In Unilateral Cleft of the Nose and Palate

Abstract

Literature data indicate that patients with cleft lip and/or palate have a higher prevalence of dental caries compared to the general population. There are several possible causes of such clinical manifestations. Patients of this category often breathe through the mouth, which causes dry mouth and a decrease in physiological brushing of teeth with saliva. Malocclusion increases the time of cleansing the oral cavity from food and reduces the effectiveness of oral hygiene methods. The palate with a defect and the failure of the palatopharynx can cause regurgitation of saliva and food with irritation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses. Ahluwalia et al. higher levels of caries-associated microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, have been reported in the oral cavity of children with cleft. Compared with the normal population, the nose and oropharynx of children with untreated cleft lip and palate have an increased risk of colonization by bacterial pathogens, especially b-hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus.