Abstract
BackgroundOral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been used to describe the consequences of oral health conditions and treatments in children. A better understanding of OHRQoL and its relationship with dental fear and previous dental experience is necessary to improve children’s oral health status. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dental history and experience with dental fear and the OHRQoL of children aged 11 to 14 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage stratified sample of 1,312 middle school children. Information regarding OHRQoL was collected from the children using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14), and information regarding dental fear was collected using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Information on past dental experiences and sociodemographic data were collected from the parents using self-administered questionnaires. Dental examinations were performed to assess caries experience.ResultsThe multivariable model indicated that dental fear was the strongest predictor of OHRQoL as the fearful children had on average CPQ11–14 scores that were 10 units higher than those of the non-fearful children. Regarding past dental experience, pain as the reason for the most recent dental visit was associated with poor OHRQoL, while receiving a filling during the previous dental visits was significantly associated with better OHRQoL. In addition, a larger number of siblings, a lower family income, a lower paternal education level, health problems and prior hospitalization were significantly associated with poor OHRQoL.ConclusionThis study identified that dental fear and some factors related to previous dental experience are associated with OHRQoL. In dental practice, children with dental fear should be identified, guided and treated early to avoid deterioration of their OHRQoL.
Highlights
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been used to describe the consequences of oral health conditions and treatments in children
Our findings revealed that dental fear, pain as the reason for the most recent dental visit, a larger number of siblings, lower family income, a lower paternal education level, health problems and prior hospitalization were significantly associated with lower OHRQoL
We found several sociodemographic characteristics that were associated with poor OHRQoL; higher mean CPQ11–14 scores were significantly associated with a greater number of siblings, lower family income and parents with lower education
Summary
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been used to describe the consequences of oral health conditions and treatments in children. It is important to assess the influence of oral health on the everyday life of children because oral diseases may limit children’s current physical, social and psychological well-being but may affect their future development and academic achievement. Oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multidimensional construct that consists of subjective assessments of oral health, emotional and functional well-being and self-. (CPQ) is one of the most commonly used self-report scales [3]. This questionnaire was developed for and validated in children in Canada and showed adequate reliability and validity [4]. The CPQ items cover four health domains: oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being and social well-being [4]. The CPQ has been translated into many languages and has been adapted and validated for other cultures [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
