Evaluation of a new method of oral health education in children with cleft lip and palate.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of an oral health educational programme in children with cleft lip and palate.

METHODS: The sample comprised 38 children with cleft lip and palate: Group 1-dental prophylaxis; Group 2-education and motivation instructions in oral health and plaque control. Children were evaluated during six appointments, at 30-day intervals. The Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) index was used to assess plaque control. To evaluate the knowledge on oral health a questionnaire was used. Baseline and 6-month PHP scores were compared through Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The questionnaire scores were analysed through t test and paired-t test.

RESULTS: Baseline PHP indexes between Groups exhibited no statistically significant differences, while the 6-month PHP indices between Groups showed statistically differences (p < 0.001). Group 2 showed statistically significant differences between baseline and 6-month PHP index (p < 0.001). The comparison of Groups questionnaire scores showed no statistically significant differences neither at baseline nor after 6 months. In Group 1, the level of knowledge between baseline and 6-month periods did not show statistically differences, while Group 2 did.

CONCLUSIONS: The oral health educational programme improved the plaque control of children with cleft lip and palate.