Changes in oral-health related quality of life, oral hygiene status and body growth in children with special health care needs following oral rehabilitation under general anaesthesia

Abstract

Aim: To assess changes in oral health related quality of life, oral hygiene status and body growth in children with special health care needs following dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Methodology: Twenty children with special health care needs undergoing dental treatment undergoing general anaesthesia at the Unit of Pediatric Dentistry and those with Special needs, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University were selected in this study. For each patient oral hygiene status (assessed by Plaque index), weight, height and body mass index were assessed at baseline and at 3,6 and 9 months. OHRQoL was assessed using the early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) at baseline as well as 3, 6 and 9 months intervals. Results: At follow up, there was a slight increase in body weight in 100% of patients, 87.5% in height, 25% in body mass index that their percentile curve had been changed while in 75% of cases remain the same percentile curve but higher BMI. The overall Early Childhood Oral health impact scale scores decreased significantly (P < 0.001) demonstrating large effect sizes, at baseline score was significantly higher than at 3, 6 and 9 months respectively.