An investigation into the impact of tooth wear on the oral health related quality of life amongst adult dental patients in the United Kingdom, Malta and Australia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between levels of tooth wear scored using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and the impact on the quality of life of adult dental patients. MethodsBEWE assessments were performed on 319 new dentate adult patients attending the practices of 5 trained recruiters based in primary care in Malta (120), Australia (118) or the UK (81). Oral impacts on the quality of life were measured using a shortened form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-26). Regression analysis were performed, adjusted for age, to estimate the relationship between the variables. Data were expressed as Confidence Intervals (95 % CI), p-values (values <0.05 were considered statistically significant) and adjusted R2 values. ResultsOverall, the sample had a mean age of 42.6 ± 17.1 (range, 18–93 years), a mean cumulative BEWE score of 6.7 ± 4.4 and a mean total OHIP-26 score of 1.84 ± 0.59. For the cumulative sextant BEWE scores, 68.0 % of the participants scored ≤ 8, 24.5 % between 9 and 13 and 7.5 %, ≥ 14. A significant association was found between increasing BEWE score and the overall OHIP-26 total score (effect = 0.028; p = 0.002), implying a higher BEWE to be associated with a larger impact of oral conditions on daily life. ConclusionHigher levels of tooth wear were significantly associated with a deteriorating oral-health related quality of life amongst the participants. Clinical relevanceWhen treatment planning for patients with tooth wear, it is appropriate to consider the psycho-social impact of the condition alongside other clinical findings.