Dental Care for Children with Cleft Lip/Palate

Optimum oral care is essential for all children, but it is particularly important for kids with a cleft lip or palate because they are at a higher risk of having tooth and gum problems. Young children with cleft lip or palate have narrow arches, so cleaning their mouth and teeth can be a more difficult task. Parents should take extra time and care to ensure proper care is given for their child’s mouth.

Here are some dental care tips for parents to help make the job easier:

Proper Dental Hygiene Routine

Children with or without this condition should follow a proper oral routine. Clean teeth with a small soft bristle toothbrush as soon as teeth grow. Brush twice daily or after every meal if possible. Don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing!

Dental Checkup

Schedule your child a visit to the dentist as early as one year of age. You can proactively schedule an appointment earlier if your child needs special dental care. Early dental evaluation is necessary to determine the course of treatment for children with a cleft lip/palate. Treatment management depends on the severity of their condition. Some need preventative care; others may require surgery or additional procedures.

Orthodontic Evaluation and Management

Early orthodontic evaluation is also necessary for children with cleft lip or palate. Orthodontists need to assess the facial, bone and jaw growth of your child. When teeth start to grow, your child’s orthodontist will plan a course of action for your child’s dental needs. Short-term and long-term treatment will be expected, as well as monitoring of your child’s jaw growth and oral development.

Collaborative Management with a Dental Surgeon

When your child needs a restorative operation or any dental extraction, the general dentist and orthodontist will have to collaborate with an oral surgeon to determine the best course of action.

Several procedures are needed in managing children with cleft lip or palate. To learn more about pediatric dentistry, contact us at Kids Dental Group. We have three dental offices – you can find us in Stouffville, Richmond Hill, and Markham. Contact us to take care of your child’s dental health today!

-The Kids Dental Group Team