Case-control study examining the impact of oral health problems on the quality of life of the families of preschoolers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dental caries, traumatic dental injuries (TDI), toothaches, and malocclusion on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the families of Brazilian preschool children. A population-based, matched case-control study involving 415 pre-schoolers aged 3-5 years was conducted. The case (impact on OHRQoL) and control groups (no impact on OHRQoL) were matched for age, gender, and family income at an 1:4 ratio. Impact on the OHRQoL of a family was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). Dental caries, TDI, and malocclusion were diagnosed by three calibrated dentists (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression analysis (p ≤ 0.05; 95%CI). There were no differences between the cases and controls regarding age, gender, and family income (p > 0.05). The most frequent responses on the B-ECOHIS among cases were "felt guilty" (68.6%) and "been upset" (48.2%). The following variables were significantly associated with negative impacts on family OHRQoL (cases): caries severity (OR = 6.680; 95%CI = 2.731-16.349), a history of toothache (OR = 2.666; 95%CI = 1.492-4.765), parental rating of the child's oral health as poor (OR: 1.973; 95%CI = 1.072-3.634), and parent's/caregiver's age (OR = 2.936; 95%CI = 1.077-3.478). Anterior open bite was positively associated with OHRQoL (OR = 4.050; 95%CI = 1.333-12.314). Caries severity, a history of toothache, parental rating of the child's oral health as poor, and younger parents/caregivers were associated with impact on the OHRQoL of the families of preschoolers.

Impact of oral conditions of children/adolescents with Down syndrome on their families’ quality of life

“…Dental caries experience and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries were some of the oral conditions of children/adolescents with DS associated with the perception of their parents/caregivers as having a negative impact on the OHRQoL of their family members. Previous studies performed with populations without DS have reported that the impact of dental caries experience on family OHRQoL may be influenced by parent/caregivers concerns about the aesthetic appearance of their children . Moreover, dental caries and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries can cause pain and functional limitations during chewing and speech, which results in changes in the daily life of the children/adolescents and their families .…”

“…Studies have demonstrated that dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, and malocclusion among children/adolescents without DS negatively affects the OHRQoL of the family members . Children/adolescents suffering the consequences of oral diseases usually need to be assisted by their parents/caregivers or anyone with whom they share the household . Moreover, any childhood/adolescence illness might have critical influence on the daily routine of the family of the sick child/adolescent.…”

“…Several studies have evaluated the effects of oral disorders among children/adolescents without DS and among individuals with others special needs on their families’ OHRQoL. Though relevant, as far as we know, no study has evaluated the impact of oral conditions of children/adolescents with DS on their families’ OHRQoL.…”

“…4,7,8 Children/adolescents suffering the consequences of oral diseases usually need to be assisted by their parents/caregivers or anyone with whom they share the household. 9 Moreover, any childhood/adolescence illness might have critical influence on the daily routine of the family of the sick child/adolescent. Therefore, the relevance of assessing the effects of oral disorders among children/adolescents on their families' OHRQoL is based upon the fact that pediatric diseases are challenges that should be faced by the health providers, who must take into account the consequences of oral disorders on the family of the affected individual.…”

Impact of Dental Caries on Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Indian Adolescents – An Exploratory Study.

“…However, the present study allows for the determination of the putative risk factors and risk indicators, and a preliminary assessment of the strength of the relationship between an event and risk factors. They provide valuable baseline data for planning, implementing and evaluating oral health programs for prevention and control of common oral health problems such as dental caries (Firmino et al, 2016). …”