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

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of an oral health educational programme in children with cleft lip and palate. 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. 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. The oral health educational programme improved the plaque control of children with cleft lip and palate.