Integrating dental care as a protocol in the management of children with cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Children born with cleft lip/palate need regular dental care from birth till adulthood. Special feeding requirements, maintenance of oral hygiene, prevention and treatment of dental disease are essential components of oral healthcare provided by dental health care personnel. Malaligned teeth and dental anomalies should be addressed by orthodontics, guided by the developmental stage of the child. For the unmet need of dental care to be mitigated, it is essential that the core and coordinating teams be aware of the need for regular dental care visits. Each team needs to formulate sustainable oral health policies in their management protocol.