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Cavities more prevalent in cleft lip and palate patients

In the September 2009 The Palate-Craniofacial Journal describes a study that evaluated the decay or cavities increase risk in patients with cleft lip or palate. Denver dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp have speculated as to why they have seen an increase in cavities in this population.  This study did not speculate as to the cause but only looked showed there was a difference.

The population they studied

The population they studied consisted of 53 patient with cleft lip or palate and 53 age related siblings without cleft lip. In this study 85% of patient with cleft exhibited a moderate or high dental cavity rate compared to 43% in the control group. This study done in Syria did not state if these cleft palate patient had undergone any type of repair of the defect. The position of the teeth in clefting can vary and may pose (as a guess) more difficulty in brushing and flossing.  In addition, how does this study compare to U.S. rates of decay were not discussed or speculated on.

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Everyone benefits from good oral hygiene …fluoride and professional dental cleanings

Good/great home care combined with fluoride and seeing your dentist on a regular basis is the hallmark of preventive dentistry. The key is keeping the bacteria that causes tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease) in managable numbers.  If these bacteria which are found in plaque are allowed to multiply in great numbers their bacterial by-product is an acid which demineralizes the tooth and causes a cavity or gum disease!

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