Abstract
The aim of the present study was firstly to assess the persistence of pain related behaviours of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ) and secondly to complete a follow-up study to assess the effect of dental treatment on pain related behaviours in preschool children. The 9-question DDQ instrument was used to assess dental pain related behaviours in a group of preverbal children. The test-retest analysis questionnaire was filled out twice by 44 parents on behalf of their referred child. For the follow-up study the questionnaire was filled out by 71 parents before and after all dental disease was completed. A strong correlation for the test-retest was found over a 2 month period before treatment. When the behaviour items were compared independently before and after treatment it appeared that after treatment all but one behaviour (i.e. bite with molar instead of teeth) was displayed less often. Overall, after treatment all children had a lower mean DDQ score. Dental treatment of children leads to reduced toothache related behaviours and subsequently to a better quality of life. The DDQ is a sensitive instrument to measure dental discomfort before and after restorative treatment if and when the follow-up period is short. The DDQ can possibly support healthcare providers, teachers and parents in their assessment of toothache in young children.
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