ABSTRACT
Feeding difficulties in cleft lip and palate (CLP) infants is commonly observed and is the most traumatic experience the family has to face. These infants are undernourished and have compromised growth. The purpose of this study was to 1) assess general health and growth parameters in children with CLP and in normal children; and 2) investigate the feeding methods of CLP infants and normal infants. A total of 221 children from birth to six years of both sexes, with CLP (60 children) and normal (161 children) were selected. The CLP and normal children were divided into three subgroups by age. The practice of feeding the infants in subgroup I was assessed using standard piloted questionnaires. The assessment of growth was done at baseline and at six months in all the subgroups.The general well being of the children was assessed by noting the number of common infections. Results showed that a significantly higher percentage of mothers with normal babies (p < 0.01) had a positive attitude towards breast feeding. When compared to normal children, CLP children were more susceptible to infections (p < 0.05) and measured significantly lower on the height growth curve(p < 0.05). Hence, height can be used to monitor growth in CLP children.
Subject(s)
Body Height , Body Weight , Child Care/methods , Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology , Child, Preschool , Cleft Lip/complications , Cleft Palate/complications , Feeding Methods , Female , Growth Disorders/etiology , Humans , Infant , Infant Care/methods , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology , Infant, Newborn , Malaysia , Male , ParentsABSTRACT
A case presented here is that of a nine year old male patient with total anodontia. Findings of this case as regards to the orofacial, radiographic and other general manifestations were suggestive of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The dental problems were best managed by prosthetic replacement of dentition taking into consideration a design which would provide adequate relief for the preservation of the ridges which were thin and underdeveloped to the absence of teeth.
Subject(s)
Anodontia/etiology , Child , Denture, Complete , Ectodermal Dysplasia/complications , Humans , Hypohidrosis/complications , Male , Mutation , X ChromosomeABSTRACT
The study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the prevalence of dental caries, in semi urban school children. The sample comprised of 415 school going children. DMFT/dmft scores were recorded as per WHO 1987 criteria. Mean DMFT was found to be 0.17, 0.06 in male and female children at 3 to 6 age group which increased to 1.21 & 1.10 in males and female in 9 to 12 year age group. Mean dmft at 3 to 6 years was 1.36, 1.17 in male and female children which further increased at 6 to 9 years in both sexes but in the 9 to 12 year age group the value decreased to 1.48, 0.87 in male and female children respectively. The entire sample showed a dental caries prevalence of 58.1. It was noted that the children brushed once a day with toothpaste and toothbrush. Complete oral rehabilitation was undertaken through an incremental school health care programme.