Cleft Dental Care
Children with a cleft lip and/or palate seem to get tooth decay
more easily than other children. We are not sure why this is. It
may be because the teeth can be quite close together and hard to
clean, and parents may be afraid to clean where the child has had
an operation. Or it may be something to do with the way your child
clears food from their teeth with their tongue, or related to the
bacteria in the mouth.
It is therefore particularly important to be careful with your
child’s diet and have a good toothbrushing routine.
In addition to providing ongoing dental care throughout the care
pathway, the dental team will assess your child at
multidisciplinary clinics (age 5, 10, 15 and 20).
Paediatric Dentist
Your child should see a Dentist from an early age.
By the time your child is two or three years old they could
already have tooth decay.
We try to send an appointment to see your child at Frenchay
around the time of their first birthday for an initial discussion
about teeth and to talk about dental care.
Dental Hygienist
The dental hygienist will advise you about all aspects
of improving oral hygiene, including brushing techniques and
the use of products to help keep teeth clean and healthy throughout
your cleft care pathway.
Orthodontic care
Within a few weeks of your baby’s birth you will probably meet
an Orthodontist. Photographs and other records will be taken at an
early age and throughout your child’s development to monitor
progress. These will include impressions of the mouth at different
stages.
The Orthodontist will arrange to treat any irregularities of
your child’s teeth.
For further information download patient
information leaflets:
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Dental Care Team
Scott Deacon
0117 3406550
Rhiannon Jones
0117 3403251