Impact of Dental Injuries on Children's Quality of Life
Author Information
Author(s): Aldrigui Janaina M, Abanto Jenny, Carvalho Thiago S, Mendes Fausto M, Wanderley Marcia T, Bönecker Marcelo, Raggio Daniela P
Primary Institution: University of São Paulo-USP
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the impact of traumatic dental injuries and anterior malocclusion traits on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children between 2 and 5 years-old.
Conclusion
Complicated traumatic dental injuries have a negative impact on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their parents, but anterior malocclusion traits do not.
Supporting Evidence
- Complicated traumatic dental injuries negatively impacted the symptoms, psychological, self-image/social interaction, and family function domains of OHRQoL.
- The presence of anterior malocclusion traits did not show a negative impact on the overall OHRQoL mean or in each domain.
- Parents reported a more negative impact on the OHRQoL in relation to the child than the family.
Takeaway
If a child has a serious dental injury, it can make them feel bad and affect their happiness, but having crooked teeth doesn't seem to bother them as much.
Methodology
Parents of 260 children answered the ECOHIS questionnaire, and two dentists assessed dental injuries and malocclusions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reports for children's health status.
Limitations
The study's results may not be generalizable to the entire population as it was conducted in a dental care setting.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 2 to 5 years, with a sample of 137 boys (52.7%) and 123 girls (47.3%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.36, 2.63
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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