Evaluation of periodontal tissues in growing patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate. A pilot study.

AIM To evaluate the periodontal status, mucogingival parameters and oral hygiene in growing patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS Assessment was performed in 15 patients aged 6 to 18 years with a bilateral cleft. Records included probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized gingiva, recession, vestibule depth, biotype, type of fraena, dental plaque and bleeding. RESULTS The mean scores of pocket depth were: 1.9 mm for central incisors, 1.6 mm for lateral incisors, 1.7 mm for canines, 2.0 mm for first premolars. There were only a few teeth with minimal attachment loss (1 mm). Gingival recessions were not recorded. High scores were recorded for the hygiene indicator, especially on the buccal, mesial and distal surfaces. Due to soft and hard tissue malformations, it was difficult to precisely assess the biotype and keratinized gingiva. However, keratinized gingiva was narrower near the teeth adjacent to the cleft. Similarly, the vestibule was shallower in this area. In 12 out of 15 children it was impossible to define the type of labial fraenum. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of the periodontal status is important for successful comprehensive rehabilitation in cleft patients. Specific features of hard (alveolar process) and soft tissue (scars, unusual fraena) malformations caused by the cleft and previous surgical procedures have functional and morphological implications. Narrower gingiva and a shallower vestibule in the presence of dental plaque and bleeding are unfavourable conditions to maintain a healthy periodontium. It is essential to include periodontal assessment and preventive treatment to a comprehensive approach as early as possible.