Utilization of Dental Service and Quality of Life in Preschool Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between dental service utilization and oral health-related quality of life status in preschool children. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 165 five-year-old preschool children (F/M: 77/88) were included. Data were collected by clinical examinations, a questionnaire regarding oral health-related factors, and early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) for oral health-related quality of life. Results In emergency visits, the ratios of having dental pain, dental sensitivity, tooth decay, tooth loss were higher than the others (p < 0.05). Moreover, ECOHIS-Total, ECOHIS-Child, and ECOHIS-Family scores were higher in children with poor oral health status compared with good ones (p < 0.05). Conclusion Early childhood oral health impact scale score related with oral health status could be used to evaluate priority for emergencies in this age group. How to cite this article Sisman N, Bora N, Catar RO, Karacayli U, Cimilli H, Koksal L, Oktay I, Mumcu G. Utilization of Dental Service and Quality of Life in Preschool Children. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2016;5(1):16-22.