Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale Research Articles

Pathway analysis between dental caries and oral health-related quality of life in the transition from childhood to adolescence: a 10-year cohort study.

To evaluate the direct and indirect pathways between cavitated carious lesionsand oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) during the transition from childhood to adolescence. A prospective cohort study followed an initial sample of 639 children (one to five years old), in southern Brazil for ten years. In addition to the baseline (T1), two subsequent reassessments were conducted after seven (T2) and ten years (T3). OHRQoL was measured through the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10 and CPQ11-14), according to the age group. Dental caries was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in the three waves. Socioeconomic variables and other factors related to oral health (frequency of toothbrushing and toothache) were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects among the variables over ten years. A total of 449 and 429 children were reevaluated at T2 and T3 (positive response rates of 70.3% and 67.1%, respectively). Dental caries in T1 and T2 directly predicted the occurrence of a worse OHRQoL in the respective follow-up periods. Dental caries at T3 indirectly predicted a worse OHRQoL (T3), via toothache. Dental caries at T1 and T2 directly predicted the occurrence of dental caries at T3, while a worse OHRQoL at T2 directly predicted a worse OHRQoL at T3. Dental caries negatively impacts, directly and indirectly, the OHRQoL from early childhood to adolescence.

The oral health impact profile and well-being on mothers and preschool children

Objectivesto verify the contribution of mothers’ oral health impact profile to their children’s oral health profile and the contribution of mothers’ well-being and the caries index (dmft) to children’s well-being.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study. Mothers and pre-school children enrolled in public schools in the municipality of Araraquara-SP took part. The Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-14), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) were used. To diagnose caries, a clinical examination was carried out to calculate the dmft index. Path analysis was carried out and the path coefficients were estimated (β) and evaluated using the z-test (α = 5%).Results443 children took part (5.19 ± 0.64 years; 52.4% boys) with an mean dmft of 1.31 ± 2.19. The mean age of the mothers was 33.4 ± 7.01 years. There was a significant impact of dmft and maternal well-being on the child’s subjective well-being (s2explained = 43%). The mothers’ oral health impact profile and the child’s caries experience had a significant influence on both the child (OHIP: β = 0.22; p < 0.001; dmft: β = 0.48; p < 0.001) and the family (OHIP: β = 0.29; p < 0.001; dmft: β = 0.32; p < 0.001). The child’s dmft (β=-0.10; p = 0.005) and the mothers’ subjective well-being (β=-0.61; p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the child’s subjective well-being.ConclusionThe mothers’ oral health impact profile and the child’s caries experience had an impact on both the child and the family. Mothers’ subjective well-being and caries experience should be considered when assessing the subjective well-being of Brazilian preschool children.

Assessing the Impact of Oral Disorders on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Preschool Children and their Families: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral disorders such as Traumatic Dental Injury (TDI) and Early Childhood Caries (ECC) can significantly impact the functional, social, and psychological well-being of growing children and their families. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) serves as a proxy assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in children, developed to evaluate the effects on the quality of life of preschool children. Aim: To assess the impact of oral disorders on the OHRQoL of children aged two to six years and their families. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1000 children aged 2 to 6 years from various preschools in South Bangalore were selected. All children underwent examinations for caries, stains, and fractures. A modified questionnaire survey based on ECOHIS, consisting of 26 questions, was completed by the parents of the children. The answered questionnaire was then evaluated to assess the impact of dental conditions on the quality of life of both children and parents. Kruskal-Wallis Test, Dunn’s post-hoc Test, and Mann-Whitney Test were used to compare the mean scores of different domains of the OHRQoL scale based on ECC and dental trauma, respectively. Results: The severity of ECC demonstrated an adverse effect on the symptom domain (p&lt;0.001), function domain (p=0.002), psychology domain (p=0.03), and the entire score of the Child Impact Section (CIS) (p&lt;0.001). In the Family Impact Section (FIS), the mean scores of the family distress domain and the overall FIS were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Dental trauma also showed an adverse effect on the symptoms domain (p&lt;0.001) and the entire scores of the CIS (p=0.001). Additionally, the mean scores of the family distress domain and the overall FIS were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The presence of ECC and dental trauma is likely to have a negative impact on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of preschool-aged children and their families.

Change in oral health-related behaviours of children before and after dental treatments under general anaesthesia.

This study evaluated the behavioural changes pertaining to children's oral health before and after the dental general anaesthesia (DGA), with particular focus on the factors associated with these changes. The records were collected for the children who received DGA from July 2015 to November 2016, and relevant questionnaires were obtained from their parents/guardians for the information prior to and after the DGA. The questionnaire included Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) to investigate the changes in Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and dental fear. The DGA impact on children's oral hygiene habits and oral health-related behaviours was assessed by analysing the data. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were employed to evaluate the differences. Total of 141 patients (89 before DGA and 77 after DGA, 25 being common) participated in this study. There were 60 children below 5 years and 29 over 5 years before DGA, while 41 children below 5 years and 36 over 5 years after DGA. Most parents/guardians were educated above undergraduate level (59.6% before DGA, 55.8% after DGA). More children lived with grandparents (61.8% before DGA, 54.5% after DGA) than only with parents (20.2% before DGA, 26.0% after DGA). In total, 73.0% (65/89) children before DGA brushed teeth more than twice a day. This proportion increased to 90.9% after DGA (70/77, p = 0.03). The eating difficulty decreased after DGA according to ECOHIS (p = 0.01). CFSS-DS score also decreased after DGA (p < 0.05). After DGA, children's oral hygiene habits and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) improved, children fear for dental treatment decreased, and parents became more attentive towards children oral health.

Dental caries and oral health-related quality of life in Preschoolers – introducing the Swedish version of the early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS)

Objective: Experience of caries has a clearly negative impact on the quality of life in preschool children. The instrument Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) measures the oral health-related quality of life in preschool children (Child Impact Section) and their families (Family Impact Section). The aims of the study were to develop a Swedish version of ECOHIS and to evaluate the instrument’s reliability, validity, and internal consistency. Additionally, to analyse the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children who have experienced caries. Methods: The original ECOHIS questionnaire was translated into Swedish. Caregivers of preschool children aged 2–5 years were recruited at dental clinics in Sweden, to participate in the study and answer the Swedish version of the ECOHIS (S-ECOHIS). The internal consistency and reliability were assessed by using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. In order to measure the consistency of the study, the questionnaire was re-tested two weeks later for 10 of the caregivers and assessed by using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). The results from S-ECOHIS were described as descriptive data and independent t-test was performed. All data were calculated using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Results: S-ECOHIS was developed by translating the original English version using a double-blinded technique. A total of 274 caregivers participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.84 for S-ECOHIS, 0.83 for CIS, and 0.66 for FIS. The ICC was 0.95 for the test-retest of S-ECOHIS. Among the respondents, 117 (43%) had children diagnosed with caries, while 157 (57%) had children without caries. The children with caries reported a higher total score of 5.97 (SD 6.16) of S-ECOHIS, compared to the score of the non-caries children 0.77 (SD 1.38) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Swedish version of ECOHIS that was developed demonstrates good validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency. The findings show that the oral health-related quality of life is adversely affected in preschool children with caries, with particular vulnerability observed among children with untreated caries. These results indicate that S-ECOHIS is suitable for use in future clinical and research endeavors.

Oral health-related quality of life, impaired physical health and orofacial pain in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis – a prospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundKnowledge on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is limited, and longitudinal studies are lacking. We aimed to describe OHRQoL in children and adolescents with JIA compared to controls, and to explore the validity and internal consistency of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Child Oral Impact on Daily Performance (Child-OIDP). Furthermore, we wanted to investigate associations between OHRQoL and orofacial pain, physical health, disease activity, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in JIA.MethodsThe Norwegian prospective, multicenter cohort study recruited participants with JIA between 4 and 16 years of age and corresponding controls from three pediatric university hospital departments and public dental health services. In the present study, we analyzed OHRQoL in all children < 12 years with the ECOHIS and adolescents ≥ 12 years with the Child-OIDP at the first visit and the two-year follow-up. Associations between OHRQoL and JIA characteristics, collected in clinical exam and questionnaires, were analyzed in logistic regressions.ResultsThe same OHRQoL questionnaire was completed both at first visit and two-year follow-up in 101 children < 12 years (47 JIA, 54 controls) and 213 adolescents ≥ 12 years (111 JIA, 102 controls). The frequency of OHRQoL impacts in children was similar at the first visit and the two-year follow-up (ECOHIS > 0: JIA group 81% and 85%, p = 0.791; control group 65% and 69%, p = 0.815), while adolescents with JIA reported fewer impacts at the two-year follow-up (Child OIDP > 0: JIA group 27% and 15%, p = 0.004; control group 21% and 14%, p = 0.230). The internal consistency of the OHRQoL instruments was overall acceptable and the criterion validity indicated that the instruments were valid at both visits. Orofacial pain was more frequent in children and adolescents with JIA than in controls. We found associations between OHRQoL impacts and orofacial pain, impaired physical health, disease activity, and TMJ involvement.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with orofacial pain or impaired physical health were more likely to report impacts on daily life activities than those without. Pediatric rheumatologists and dentists should be aware of impaired OHRQoL in individuals with JIA with active disease or temporomandibular joint involvement.Trial registrationRegistered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03904459, 05/04/2019).

Oral health-related quality of life and associated factors among a sample from East China with severe early childhood caries: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and associated factors among a sample from East China with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).MethodsA total of 316 children with S-ECC and their parents were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Children were examined for caries status using criteria proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). The accompanying parent was required to provide demographic information and complete two validated questionnaires in Chinese: the early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) and the 5-item oral health impact profile (OHIP).ResultsThe study had a 98.1% response rate. Finally, the data of 300 children and their parents were analyzed. Mothers cared for their children far more than fathers in the included family (78.7% mother, 21.3% father). The mean age of children was 4.1 ± 0.7 years, ranging from 3 to 5. The mean dmft score was 13.8 ± 3.8. Few (13.7%) children never had a toothache. ECOHIS scores ranged from 0 to 38, with a mean score of 16.2 ± 7.2. The mean OHIP score was 2.9 ± 2.7. The parental age, family income, residence, history of pain, the dmft scores and parents’ OHIP showed associations with ECOHIS scores or domain scores (P < 0.05). The multiple regression analysis showed that the history of pain, accompanying parents’ OHIP, and the dmft scores were mainly associated with ECOHIS and child impact (P < 0.05); parental age was associated with family impact (P = 0.024).ConclusionsThe parent’s OHRQoL was associated with the children’s OHRQoL, indicating that policymakers and clinical practitioners should improve both children’s and their parents’ oral health. Furthermore, the caries severity and the history of dental pain impacted children’s OHRQoL.

The Evaluation of Postoperative Complications and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Dental General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

Aim The study aims toevaluate the postoperative complications and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following dental general anesthesia for early childhood caries (ECC). Materials and methods Two hundred children aged between three and six requiring full-mouth rehabilitation for general anesthesia were recruited for the study. Demographic data and oral health-related quality of life using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) were collected before the surgery. Postoperative complications and oral health-related quality of life were evaluated after 24hours and at a one-week follow-up appointment. Results All 200 children returned for the follow-up appointment after one week. Pain was found to be the most common postoperative complication after 24 hours (52%) and one week (6%). The oral health-related quality of life showed a significant improvement after one week (P < 0.001) Conclusion Children may experience a postoperative complication after full-mouth rehabilitation, which resolves within a week. Dental pain was the most common operative complication in the present study. Oral health-related quality of life showed significant improvement after full-mouth rehabilitation.

The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS): psychometric properties and application on preschoolers.

The concept of oral health related to quality of life involves the impact that oral health has on an individual's well-being. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was developed to measure the impact of oral health problems on the lives of children and their families. To evaluate the psychometric properties of ECOHIS applied to mothers of preschool children and estimate the influence of demographic characteristics, caries experience, and plaque index on the ECOHIS score. The fit of ECOHIS to the data was assessed by confirmatory analysis. Chi-square for degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) were used. Reliability was estimated by the ordinal coefficients alpha (α) and omega (ω). The factorial invariance was estimated by the difference in CFI (ΔCFI). Comparisons of the ECOHIS mean scores according to the demographic characteristics, caries experience, and plaque index was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A total of 371 children participated in the study. Mothers' mean age was 33.0 (SD = 7.04) years. The ECOHIS presented a good fit to the data (χ2/df = 4.31; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.09) and a strict model invariance. Children without caries and from higher income class had lower oral health impact. The data obtained with the ECOHIS were valid, reliable, and invariant. Children with caries experience and from lower income families had a greater impact of oral problems.

Comparison of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life scores in children treated for early childhood caries under general and local anesthesia: a quasi-experimental study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) scores in children treated for Early Childhood Caries (ECC) under general (GA) and local anesthesia (LA). A quasi-experimental study was carried out on 73 children, with 37 in the GA group and 36 in the LA group. The early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) was used to measure OHRQoL, with the type of anesthesia (LA or GA) serving as the explanatory variable. A Friedman test was used to assess the difference between the LA and GA groups at baseline, one-week, and one-month follow-up points. The results showed a significant difference in the overall mean ECOHIS scores between the LA and GA groups at 1-week (LAmean ± SD = 6.12 ± 1.11, GAmean ± SD = 5.50 ± 0.88; P = 0.01) and 1-month (LAmean ± SD = 5.87 ± 1.12, GAmean ± SD = 4.96 ± 0.99; P < 0.001) follow-up points. Irrespective of the administered anesthesia, a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the mean score for dental pain was observed at both 1-week (mean ± SD = 1.30 ± 1.16) and 1-month (mean ± SD = 0.81 ± 0.89) timepoints after the treatment, as compared to the baseline assessment (mean ± SD = 2.02 ± 1.02). Early treatment for ECC reduces pain, restore normal activities, and improves the quality of life of affected children. Specifically, GA was found to be more beneficial for both children and parents. However, further studies using more robust study designs and carefully considering related factors are necessary to confirm these findings.

The Impact of Child Dental Caries and the Associated Factors on Child and Family Quality of Life.

Dental caries are considered as common health hazards and a serious lifelong threat to general health and quality of life. The present study aimed at identifying the impact of child dental caries and the associated factors on both child and family quality of life (QoL). Material and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, preschool children were selected randomly through clustered sampling from five educational districts in Tabriz, Iran, 2016. To assess the QoL related to oral health, the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was used. Clinical oral examination was performed to assess the presence of caries through the index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft). Descriptive and analytic statistical methods were used. To assess the underlying predictors of ECOHIS as a whole scale and the dimensions as a linear regression model were used as univariate and multivariate. : Out of 756 children under 7 years old, 51.5% boys, mean (M) standard deviation (SD) of age 5.76 (0.78). About 85% of children had dental caries. The predictors of suboptimal ECOHIS related to both general and child dimensions were child age 6 year and above: r (756) = 2.43, and P ≤ 0.001, low-socioeconomic status: r (756) = 3.36 and P < 0.001 and high dmft: r (756) = 9.10 and P < 0.001. The predictors of suboptimal ECOHIS related to family domain were sex (girl): r (756) = 0.39 and P = 0.047; mother education (under12): r (756) = -0.92 and P < 0.001; mother job (employed) as univariate: r (756) = 0.71 and P = 0.002); and dmft: r (756) = -0.58 and P = 0.035. Adverse oral health of children imposes adverse effects on the QoL of children and families. Children's age, family socioeconomic level, presence of dental caries, child's gender, and mother's educational level were associated with the impact on QoL.

Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia in Turkish children with early childhood caries.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common dental problems, which often require dental rehabilitation with general anesthesia (DRGA). To assess the short- and long-term effects of DRGA on children and their families' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children, the incidence of complications on the first day, and the factors affecting them and parental satisfaction. A total of 150 children treated for ECC under DRGA were included in the study. OHRQoL was assessed on the day of DRGA, 4 weeks, and 1 year after treatment using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). The incidence of complications and parental satisfaction with DRGA were evaluated. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05). In total, 134 patients were re-evaluated at the end of the fourth week and 120 at the end of the first year. The average ECOHIS scores before and after DRGA (4 weeks and 1 year) were 18.1 ± 8.5, 3.1 ± 3.9, and 5.9 ± 6.2, respectively. After DRGA, 29.2% of the children reported at least one complication. Ninety-one percent of the parents reported that they were satisfied with DRGA. DRGA has a positive effect on the OHRQoL of Turkish preschool children with ECC and is highly evaluated by their parents.

Evaluation of Change in Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety in Young Children Following Full-mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

To evaluate the change in quality of life, dental fear, and dental anxiety in young children following full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for early childhood caries. About 200 children who were diagnosed with early childhood caries requiring full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental fear was evaluated using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Facial Image Scale. Scores were taken on the day of intervention, and after 14 days when the child reported for posttreatment follow-up. All 200 participants returned for a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. The child impact section was reduced from 15.7 ± 4.1 to 7.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. The family impact section was reduced from 9.6 ± 2.7 to 3.5 ± 2.6 after treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen in both sections when pre-and posttreatment values were compared (p < 0.001). The total ECOHIS showed statistically significant improvement as the pretreatment score of 21.6 ± 9.5 reduced to 11.2 ± 4.2 showing 51.9% improvement in OHRQoL after full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was done (p < 0.001). Dental fear and anxiety among the participants showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment was done and most participants were found to be less fearful of doctors, dentists, and injections after treatment. Full-mouth rehabilitation was found to be a reliable treatment modality to improve the OHRQoL of children suffering from early childhood caries. Significant improvement was seen in the OHRQoL within 2 weeks after treatment and most participants were found to be less anxious and fearful toward dentists and dental treatment. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for early childhood caries and a productive treatment technique to reduce dental fear and anxiety.

Association Between Dental and Oral Care Behavior Towards Quality of Life in Stunting Toddlers

Introduction: Dental and oral health is an important thing that must be considered, especially in stunted children who need more attention because they have a less level of awareness, are susceptible to disease, and have a low intellectual level compared to children with balanced nutrition. If the problem of dental and oral health in stunted children is not addressed, it will cause malnutrition to get worse and the quality of life for stunted children to get lower. Methods: This research is an analytic observational study with a cross sectional approach. This study used the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) Questionnaire and was conducted on stunted toddlers which would be filled out by the parents of these toddlers in Sumberjambe District, Jember Regency. The sampling technique uses total sampling. Of the 9 villages in Sumberjambe sub-district, 3 villages were taken randomly. Each village takes 1 posyandu with the most participants. Results: There is a significant relationship between the behavior of maintaining oral and dental health and the quality of life of stunting toddlers. Most of the respondents had poor dental and oral health maintenance behavior and a very impactful quality of life. Conclusion: The behavior of stunting toddlers in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth is still in the low category and the majority of respondents have a very impactful quality of life.

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

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 &lt; 0.001) demonstrating large effect sizes, at baseline score was significantly higher than at 3, 6 and 9 months respectively.

The Impact of Anemia-Related Early Childhood Caries on Parents’ and Children’s Quality of Life

Background and Objectives: Today, oral diseases are well-known for their effects, not only on daily life but also on quality of life (QoL). Dental caries, especially early childhood caries (ECC), are considered a public health concern as regards their impact on the life quality of children and parents from multiple aspects. The present research was conducted to assess the effect of anemia on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in terms of children and parents. Materials and Methods: The current study was performed in two independent stages. In the first stage, the Turkish version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), and in the second stage, the Turkish version of the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) were used to measure the effect of anemia-related dental caries among children and parents. SPSS and Jamovi software were used for all calculations, graphs and comparisons. Results: A total of 204 participants (child-parent pairs) were incorporated in the present study. A considerable number of children (81.5%) reported occasional or more frequent oral/dental pain. Secondly, the subscale scores were determined for child symptoms (2.25 ± 0.067), child function (6.8 ± 0.22), child psychology (3.87 ± 0.128), self-image and social interaction (1.74 ± 0.063), parental distress (3.82 ± 0.143), and family function (3.5 ± 0.121). Additionally, more than half of the parents (56.3%) responded "fair" for the health of their children's teeth, lips, jaws and mouth. Similarly, the child's overall well-being was stated as being affected "a lot" by the condition of their child's teeth, lips, jaws or mouth by half of the parents (49.5%). Conclusions: Anemia-related dental caries has a highly negative impact on the quality of life of children and parents according to both of the questionnaires. Therefore, children with high scores should be prioritized for preventive procedures and timely dental treatments.

Pediatric Dental Fluorosis and Its Correlation with Dental Caries and Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study among Preschool Children Living in Belagavi

This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis and its association with dental caries, oral health behaviors, oral-health-related quality of life and parents' perceptions among preschool children in the 3-5-year-old preschool children living in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, a non-endemic fluorosis region. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 1200 individuals of the preschool population from 48 government-sponsored child-care development centers in Belagavi, Karnataka, over a three-month period. They were examined following the Dean's fluorosis index (1942) and dmft (decayed, missed, and filled) scores of the participants were also recorded. Parents' perception of oral health was assessed using the self-administered Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). SPSS software (version 20) was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square test computed categorical data. One-way ANOVA test was used for multiple group comparisons. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 1200 children examined, 10 (0.83%) children exhibited dental fluorosis. Of the 10 children having fluorosis, six had fluorosis present on two or more of their primary teeth, and four had fluorosis on four or more teeth. The mean dmft score was 3.01 ± 1.38 to 3.60 ± 1.72 in 3-5-year-old children, respectively, with statistical significance difference (p < 0.001). The mean score of oral health-related quality of life was 10.74 ± 2.06, which was significantly correlated to the child's age and parents' education level (p < 0.05). The study shows a negligible amount of prevalence of dental fluorosis in the non-endemic fluorosis residential district. It also elucidates that children from lower and lower-middle socioeconomic status are more prone to suffer from dental fluorosis as compared to other groups. The mean score of ECOHIS increased proportionally with the caries experience, indicating a significant relationship between the dmft and ECOHIS score. Deciduous dentition fluorosis is often neglected, especially in areas that are not considered endemic for fluorosis and with only optimum fluoride levels in their groundwater, which supports the disease's nature as multi-factorial and shows that a broader perspective is of prime importance to assess, diagnose, and prevent dental fluorosis among the preschoolers, thereby appraising their overall health and hygiene status.

Health-related quality of life in patients with noma (cancrum oris): Case series

Introduction and importanceCancrum oris (noma) is a destructive disease of orofacial tissues and adjacent structures that progress rapidly, causing functional and cosmetic problems to the patient and ultimately affecting their health-related quality of life. This case series focuses on the impact of the cancrum oris on the health-related quality of life of patients which has been underreported in literature. Case presentationHerein, we present 3 cases (1 pediatric and 2 adult patients) of cancrum oris. One adult male succumbed to the disease while the remaining two are undergoing treatment. We used the modified versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the University of Washington-Quality of Life (UWQoL) questionnaire for pediatric and adult patients respectively. Clinical discussionThe sequela of cancrum oris affects negatively the quality of life of the patients even after definitive management. Despite this, there is no validated questionnaire to assess the quality of life. The modified versions of the ECOHIS and the UWQoL questionnaires that were used in this case report can be used effectively to assess the HRQoL of the patients. ConclusionCancrum oris is a neglected disease that affects negatively the health-related quality of life of patients who suffer from it, despite medical intervention.

Association of MTR and MTRR genes and oral health-related quality of life in children with dental caries.

This study aimed to assess whether genetic polymorphisms in MTR and MTRR are potential biomarkers of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with caries. A cross-sectional study was designed wherein pairs of parents/caregivers and children (aged two-five years) were selected. Clinical examination was used to detect dental caries, which were classified as low-severity and high-severity caries. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire was used to assess OHRQoL. Genomic DNA extracted from the saliva was used to analyze two missense genetic polymorphisms: MTR (rs1805087) and MTRR (rs1801394). Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was used to analyze candidate genes with OHRQoL scale and domain, with a significance level of p≤0.05. MTR (rs1805087) was found associated (p = 0.05) with children's OHRQoL subscale scores in the dominant model (GG + AG). Genetic polymorphisms in MTR may increase the risk of poor OHRQoL in children with caries. Further studies are needed to investigate genetics, molecular factors, and OHRQoL.

Oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing cancer treatment.

Cancer is considered a major public health problem worldwide and may have an important impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Thus, the present study aimed to assess OHRQoL in Brazilian patients aged 3 to 21 years undergoing cancer treatment. In total, 121 patients receiving cancer treatment and 363 healthy individuals (control group) were evaluated. OHRQoL was assessed using an age-specific questionnaire, that is, the Brazilian versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 11-14-short version, the CPQ 8-10-short version, and the short-form of Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire-14 (OHIP-14). Individuals from the control group who were evaluated by the ECOHIS presented more impact on the OHRQoL regarding the psychological and family function score, as well as those evaluated by CPQ 8-10, who presented more impact in general. However, considering CPQ 11-14, cancer patients had their OHRQoL more affected, as shown in both the total questionnaire score and oral symptoms score. Within the limitations of this Brazilian study, cancer treatment seems to be associated with decreased OHRQoL only in patients aged between 11 and 14 years. However, children without cancer aged between 8 and 10 years seem to experience worse OHRQoL.