RESUMEN
Objective: To find out the frequency and distribution of white spot enamel lesions (WSL) in cleft patients. Methods: Total fifteen subjects(M=7,F=8) in the range of 10-21 years seeking orthodontic treatment were screened out for the study. Among 15 subjects a total of 315 teeth were examined and evaluated for white spot enamel lesions in cleft patients. The frequency and severity were recorded on standard proforma at the beginning of orthodontic treatment by direct visual assessment and diagnodent method.In the study pearsons correlation coefficient was used to find out relationship between plaque score, diagnodent and white spot enamel lesions. Results: The distribution of white spot enamel lesions in cleft patients was found 100%.The frequency of white spot enamel lesions in 315 teeth examined were 192 teeth (61% with score 1 without WSL), 107 teeth (34% with score 2 with WSL), 10 teeth (3% with WSL and without cavitation) and 06 teeth (2% with WSL and cavitation). Conclusion: Increased numbers of initial/white spot lesions in CLP patients predisposes to an increased risk for further development of carious cavitated lesions during the comprehensive orthodontic treatment.There is immense need to evaluate the white spot lesions, reinforce good oral hygiene measures, institute preventive fluoride regimen and manage white spot enamel lesions before orthodontic treatment to obtain optimum esthetic results.