Caries experience of cleft lip and/or palate children study V1.0.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caries Experience of Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children: A Comparative Evaluation, and a Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Motivations and Impact on Oral Health Related Quality of Life.
IRAS ID
311822
Contact name
Yousef Herzallah
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study aims to assess how tooth decay affects children born with cleft lip and/or palate and their carers in dealing with their conditions, the daily eating and drinking habits and how they think these habits affect caries and the effect tooth decay has on their quality of life. The study also aims to assess the difference in their tooth decay levels over a period of 5 years by looking back at their recorded decay levels 5 years ago and at the time of conduct of the study.
Summary of Results
Interviews concerned with education of oral health, snacks, and the effect of tooth decay both on the day-to-day lives of the participants and their behaviour were conducted with the participants. It appears through the interviews that the greatest source of information gained on the subject of tooth decay and and taking care of teeth and gums comes to children with cleft and their carers from the cleft teams and that school doesn't have a huge role in this subject. The carers also talked about the difficulties they face when they need to push their children to brush their teeth. From the children's point of view, it appeared that the greatest barriers towards toothbrushing would be tiredness late in the day and being busy with other activities. The carers also pointed out that the most important factor when it comes to toothbrushing is consistency and staying on top of the habit until it's well established. In terms of the effect of tooth decay on children with cleft and their carers, it appears that it is minimal, but it does push the children and their carers to commit to better toothbrushing habits, even if only for a short while.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0151
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion