Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Contributing Factors

Objective To compare the prevalence, experience, and distribution of early childhood caries (ECC) between children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and children without CL/P and to identify associated risk factors. Setting University cleft and craniofacial center and pediatric dental clinic. Patients and Participants A total of 100 children aged 6 months to 6 years (50 with CL/P and 50 without CL/P), age-matched. Methods Clinical oral examinations were performed by a calibrated examiner using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Caregivers completed structured questionnaires on demographic characteristics, feeding practices, oral hygiene behaviors, and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of ECC. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure(s) ECC prevalence (dmft > 0), caries experience (dmft), tooth-specific distribution, and associated risk factors. Results ECC prevalence was high in both groups (children with CL/P: 74.0%; children without CL/P: 66.0%), with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). Caries experience and severity were comparable. Children with CL/P showed significantly greater caries involvement of the mandibular primary incisors, whereas children without CL/P exhibited significantly greater caries involvement of maxillary second primary molars ( P < 0.05). Age >3 years was an independent predictor in both groups. Cleft palate involvement increased ECC risk in the CL/P group (OR = 11.1, P = 0.008), while frequent snacking (>2 times/day) was significant in controls (OR = 11.1, P = 0.016). Conclusions ECC burden was high and comparable between groups; however, risk profiles differed, indicating the need for tailored preventive strategies.