Oral Health-related Quality Of Life Of Children Research Articles

Parental health belief model constructs associated with oral health behaviors, dental caries, and quality of life among preschool children in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent health problem that negatively affects both overall health and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study investigated the association between health belief model (HBM) constructs and oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL in preschool children in China.MethodsA total of 1562 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from six public kindergartens in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, by using stratified cluster sampling. A questionnaire was administered to parents to collect information on demographics, HBM constructs, oral health behaviors, dental caries, and OHRQoL. Regression models were used to examine relationships between HBM constructs and the outcomes.ResultsParental perceived benefits [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.47 and 1.42], perceived barriers (AOR = 0.65 and 0.63), and oral health self-efficacy (AOR = 20.59 and 19.09) were associated with brushing teeth twice daily and brushing teeth with parental assistance. Perceived susceptibility (AOR = 6.62) and perceived severity (AOR = 0.49) were significantly associated with children’s ECC. Poorer oral health (β = 0.09), higher perceived susceptibility (β = 0.11), and greater perceived barriers (β = 0.30) were associated with lower OHRQoL. Brushing teeth twice daily (β = −0.19) and brushing teeth with parental assistance (β = −0.09) were associated with higher OHRQoL.ConclusionsParental HBM constructs were significantly associated with oral health behaviors, ECC, and OHRQoL in preschool children. These findings indicate the importance of incorporating parental HBM constructs into health education programs to promote positive oral health behaviors, reduce the prevalence of caries, and enhance OHRQoL in preschoolers.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Impact of dental fluorosis on the oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the literature to assess the effect of dental fluorosis on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Included studies were epidemiological investigations, clinical trials, or human studies that directly compared the impact on OHRQoL between individuals with dental fluorosis and those without, utilizing valid OHRQoL assessment tools. The searches were conducted up to March 2024 in databases, including PubMed, Scielo, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library. Additionally, gray literature sources such as Google Scholar, OpenGrey, Ibict/BDTD, and ProQuest were searched. Reference lists were also manually reviewed for potential eligible studies. The risk of bias in cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), while its modified version was employed for cross-sectional studies. A narrative synthesis of the results was conducted. 16 studies were included in this Systematic Review. In total, 16,314 participants, aged 8 to 18, were assessed across the studies. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, except for one cohort study. In assessing OHRQoL across different age groups and severities of dental fluorosis, the impact varied. A negative association between dental fluorosis and OHRQoL was found in 9 of the included studies, a positive association was found in 1 study, and no significative association was identified in 6 studies. Limitations in the included studies primarily pertained to cross-sectional designs, with significant issues such as the absence of sample size calculations, lack of non-response rate reporting, limited consideration of confounding factors, and substantial heterogeneity stemming from diverse diagnostic methods and assessment tools. The findings of the systematic review demonstrate a complex and varied relationship between dental fluorosis and OHRQoL in children and adolescents. These conclusions may have limitations in scientific evidence. The findings emphasize the need for further investigations to explore the intricate aspects of this relationship and identify contributing factors to varying outcomes. Dental caries preventive fluoridated measures might be indicated even if there would be a risk for mild dental fluorosis as the fluoridated public water. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number: CRD42020186552.

The Correlation Between Odontogenic Infection and Total Spectrum of Dental Caries with Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Children with Intellectual Disabilities.

: Children with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) have a higher rate of untreated caries and often progress to caries with pulpal involvement or odontogenic infections. This can be assessed using the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index and the Pulp Ulcer Fistula Abscess (PUFA) index. Dental problems often have an impact on quality of life, so Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessment is needed for ID children. To identify and analyze the correlation between odontogenic infection, the total spectrum of caries, and OHRQoL in ID children. : The subjects of the research were 70 ID children who attended Special Needs Schools (SNS) Type D of the Foundation for the Development of Disabled Children (FDDC). This research uses an analytical survey using questionnaires and interviews to assess OHRQoL. The sampling technique, namely Total Sampling, obtained 43 ID child subjects who met the inclusion criteria. The data were tested statistically using the Spearman Correlation non-parametric test and the t-test. : The average value of odontogenic infection in the population was 1.79, including in the poor category, and the total spectrum of dental caries was 51.16%, including severe morbidity. Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between odontogenic infection, total spectrum of caries, and OHRQoL; odontogenic infection with total dental caries spectrum was significantly associated with each p-value = 0.0000, while the correlation between OHRQoL and both odontogenic infection and total caries spectrum had p-values > 0.05, respectively, so it is considered not significant. : Odontogenic infection in ID children is a poor category. The total spectrum of dental caries in ID children mostly includes severe morbidity. There is a correlation between odontogenic infections, the total spectrum of dental caries, and OHRQoL, as well as between odontogenic infections and the total spectrum of dental caries.

The Effect of Parents' Nutrition Literacy on Children's Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life.

Parents can help children adopt good eating habits early in childhood by encouraging them to eat healthy. While parents' levels of nutritional literacy is known to play a role in children's healthy nutrition, healthy food is also essential in improving oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Since the effect of parents' nutritional literacy on children's OHRQoL is not yet known, this study aimed to examine the impact of parental nutritional literacy on children's OHRQoL. This study was conducted with 459 parents of children aged 3-6 living in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Data collection tools included a sociodemographic form, the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy on Adults (EINLA). Data were analyzed in SPSS, using Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression models. Parents with higher nutritional literacy tend to have higher levels of education. An increase in total nutritional literacy score, especially in the general nutrition knowledge (GNK) and food label and numerical literacy (FLNL) subscales, was associated with higher child OHRQoL. Increasing parents' nutritional literacy levels can contribute to OHRQoL by enabling them to be good role models for their children. Therefore, increasing parents' nutritional literacy can improve OHRQoL by improving children's nutrition and can be considered a protective factor for oral health.

Influence of malocclusion on OHRQoL in adolescents in initial orthodontic treatment phase.

Besides correcting malocclusions, another main objective of orthodontic treatment is to improve patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to assess changes in OHRQoL of children within the first six months of orthodontic therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances. 85 patients aged 11 to 14 years requiring fixed orthodontic appliance therapy were included. The children completed the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G-11-14) before (T0), 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the start of orthodontic treatment. The type of malocclusion was categorized according to the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The initial type of malocclusion affected the children's OHRQoL, whereas gender and age did not. The IOTN dental health component (DHC) had a significant impact on the CPQ score (median CPQ of 15.00 for the group DHC 4 vs. 22.50 for DHC 5, p = 0.032). The onset of orthodontic treatment initially affected the CPQ domains "Oral symptoms" and "Functional limitations, with a change versus baseline of 2.00 (p = 0.001), but improved again after 6 months. Regression analysis demonstrated that children with an IOTN DHC 5 malocclusion experienced a greater impact on their ORHQoL, as indicated by a CPQ score 7.35 points higher than that of children with an IOTN DHC 4 malocclusion (p = 0.015). At the beginning of orthodontic treatment, the OHRQoL slightly worsens, probably due to the discomfort and appearance of the appliances. However, 6 months after the start of orthodontic treatment, OHRQoL improved again in patients with severe malocclusion (IOTN 4 and 5), and approached baseline values. The results help the clinician to better understand specific aspects of oral health that may be affected by different malocclusions, thereby improving the child's satisfaction and overall quality of life.

Longitudinal Study on Dental Status, Caries Risk Assessment, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in 3-6-Year-Old Children Receiving Nitrous Oxide Inhalational Sedation.

Introduction Dental caries prevention in early childhood is crucial, necessitating timely assessments by dental professionals and parents. The oral health of children during their early years can significantly impact both the children themselves and their parents' quality of life. This study seeks to assessthe changes in oral health-related quality of life after treatment under nitrous oxide sedation in anxious preschool children, for whom treatment otherwise is quite difficult chairside. Aim The aim of this study is to assess theassociationbetween dental caries status, risk assessment, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in 3-6-year-old children, before and after undergoing treatment under nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. Materials and methods Eighty children wereassessed for caries risk and dental status using the caries risk assessment for treatment (CRAFT) tool. Nitrous oxide sedation was employed for dental treatment, and assessments were conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment. Statistical analyses performed were paired t-tests, correlation analyses, and Chi-Square tests. Results The study revealed a mean age of 4.033 ± 0.96, with a balanced gender distribution (47.5% boys, 52.5% girls). Post-treatment, significant negative correlations were observed between OHRQoL and treatment outcomes, emphasizing improved oral health-related quality of life. Associations were found between OHRQoL, pufa index, and caries risk post-treatment. Conclusion The current research suggests that treatment done under nitrous oxide sedation could improve the OHRQoL in preschool children. Integrating risk assessment and OHRQoL enhances understanding, facilitating targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Addressing untreated dental caries is imperative for optimizing the overall well-being of children in this age group.

Association between dental clinical measures and oral health-related quality of life among Iraqi schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental clinical measures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) together with the potential mediating role of sociodemographic factors and oral health behaviours on this association in a group of Iraqi children. The target population for this cross-sectional study consisted of 372 primary school children aged 8-10 years in the city of Kut, Iraq, during the year 2022. The participants were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Detailed information about the children was collected through a comprehensive questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, oral health-related behaviors, the Arabic version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for 8-10-year-olds (CPQ8-10), and parental knowledge regarding oral health. Additionally, clinical dental evaluations were conducted, which included assessments of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS, dmfs) as well as teeth (DMFT, dmft). Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the community periodontal index (CPI) were also recorded for each participant using the recommended methodology by the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistical analysis included the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and simple and multiple linear regressions. The mean age of the children was 9.0 (± 0.82) years. About one-third of children reported brushing at least two times per day and consuming a sweet snack once a day. Visiting a dentist during the past year was reported by 21% of children. Oral health behaviours demonstrated a significant association with the total CPQ8-10 scores (p < 0.001). Based on adjusted effects (β and 95% CI) from the multiple linear regressions, untreated dental caries (dt > 0, DT > 0) had a negative impact on the total CPQ8-10 score (adjusted β = 2.3 (95% CI: 0.67 to 3.91) and 3.4 (95% CI: 2.14 to 4.56), respectively). Decayed surfaces (DS), and teeth (DT) were associated with the total score of the CPQ8-10 and all its subscales (adjusted β range = 0.1 (95% C.I.: 0.03 to 0.19)-1.0 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.26) and 0.2 (95% CI: 0.004 to 0.40)-1.2 (95% CI: 0.91 to 1.67), respectively). There was an association between oral hygiene index and total CPQ8-10 scores (adjusted β = 1.8 (95% CI: 0.62 to 3.02)), especially the functional limitations and emotional well-being subscales. Findings of this study emphasizes the negative impact of dental caries and poor oral hygiene on children's OHRQoL. This association is highlighted more when considering that over two-thirds of these children do not comply with favourable levels of oral health behaviour. Enhancing the level of OHRQoL among these children, therefore, necessitates comprehensive programs for decreasing the volume of unmet oral health needs and improving children's adherence to recommended oral health behaviours.

Impact of Caries Experience on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Pre-school Children and their Families in an Indian City - An Evaluative Study.

The presence of dental caries may have a negative impact on well-being of children and their parents, causing pain and discomfort, leading to poor oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in them. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different levels of caries experience on the OHRQoL of pre-school children and their families in Odisha, assessed using Odia version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (Od-ECOHIS). A cross-sectional survey was carried out on a sample of 369 pre-school children using Od-ECOHIS. Dental caries was recorded using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) index. The total score of ECOHIS ranged from 0 to 42 with a mean of 2.4 (±5.3) and a median score of 0. The items bearing high mean scores in the child impact section were related to "pain", "difficulty in drinking hot or cold beverages", "difficulty in eating some food", and "irritable or frustrated". Though half of children (50.4%) had cavitated carious lesions, the prevalence of negative impact was 30.6%. Compared to the child being caries-free, the expected count of total Od-ECOHIS score increased by 1.54 times if the child had white spot lesion and 1.94 times if the child had a cavitated lesion. Presence of dental carious lesions has a significant impact on OHRQoL of pre-school children and their families measured by using Od-ECOHIS even after adjusting for SES and caregivers' perception of their children's oral health.

Impact of dental sedation treatment on the oral health-related quality of life of distressed young children: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Little is known regarding the impact of dental treatment under sedation on distressed young children's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). To evaluate the impact of dental treatment under sedation on the OHRQoL of children and their families. Caregivers of two-to-six-year-old children answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS): (1) before treatment under sedation (T0), (2) two weeks (T1) and (3) 3 months after the completion of treatment (T2). A global transition judgment was included in the posttreatment evaluations to determine the perception of changes in OHRQoL after dental treatment. Bivariate analysis was performed. Changes in scores and effect sizes (ES) were calculated. Reductions were found at both posttreatment evaluations in the total B-ECOHIS scores (median [25th-75th percentile] at T0: 14 [9.8-21.7]; T1: 2.0 [0.0-5.1]; T2: 2.0 [0.0-6.7]); "child impact" section (T0: 8.8 [4.0-13.1]; T1: 0.0 [0.0-2.2]; T2: 0.0 [0.0-4.3]) and "family impact" section (T0: 6.0 [4.0-8.5]; T1: 0.0 [0.0-2.0]; T2: 0.0 [0.0-2.0]) (≤0.001; large ES). In 92.3% of cases at T1 and 88.3% at T2, caregivers reported that their child's oral health improved considerably. Dental treatment under sedation significantly improved the OHRQoL of the children and their families.

The oral health-related quality of life of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

A child's oral health impacts their development and quality of life. Children who live with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) face barriers to dental care combined with poorer oral health outcomes. However, how this affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the OHRQoL of children living with FASD. This cross-sectional survey used the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form-19 (COHIP-SF-19) to evaluate the OHRQoL quality of life of children (aged 8 to 15) living with FASD, compared to healthy controls. A total of 332 children (or their caregivers) completed the survey. The survey results showed that children living with FASD reported significantly more untreated dental conditions. The majority of children in the control group experienced a low impact across the majority of COHIP-SF-19 domains. However, children living with FASD experienced significantly higher impact scores related to oral health, functional well-being, and social-emotional well-being. The results demonstrated that children who live with FASD have a poorer OHRQoL. Overall, more investigation is necessary to identify the best ways to improve the OHRQoL of children living with FASD.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Italian Children and Adolescents Living with Bone Dysplasia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Bone dysplasia (BD) refers to a group of rare disorders characterized by skeletal and dental anomalies which may negatively influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of BD on OHRQoL in Italian children and adolescents and to assess whether gender and age influence their OHRQoL. A total of 40 patients with BD and 40 age- and gender-matched controls (aged 8-14 years) were asked to complete the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), and the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (SF-CPQ). Children with BD showed statistically significant lower overall scores of all the questionnaires than the controls (all p < 0.001), with the largest differences being detected in overall symptoms, functional well-being, and social well-being domains. While no statistically significant gender-related differences were observed, adolescents aged 11-14 years experienced worse perception in the emotional and social well-being SSF-CPQ domains (p = 0.042 and p = 0.045, respectively) and in the peer interaction COHIP domain (p = 0.011) compared to the younger age group. Based on these findings, children suffering from BD experience poorer OHRQoL than their healthy peers, suggesting that oral and dental issues may be of special importance for the socio-psychological well-being of these growing individuals.

Examine the Relationship between DMFT Index, Enamel Defects, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Celiac Disease

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that harms the epithelium and lamina propria of the small intestine in genetically predisposed individuals. Celiac disease negatively affects oral and dental health. Objectives: This research explored the DMFT index and enamel defects (ED), as well as their association with oral health-related quality of life in children with CD. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 50 children with CD (case group) and 50 healthy children (control group) were examined. The World Health Organization criteria were used to determine the DMFT index. Aine's classification was employed to diagnose ED, and the standard CHILD-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances scale was used to assess child oral health-related quality of life (COHRQoL). The Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney test were utilized for data comparison. P-values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The average DMFT was 2.58 ± 2.39 in the case group and 2.08 ± 1.61 in the control group. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, this difference was not statistically significant (P = .223). The frequency of ED in the case group was significantly higher at 52%, compared to 16% in the control group (P &lt; .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the frequency of ED between boys and girls in the two groups (P &lt; .001). The COHRQoL score in the case group, with an average of 24.44 ± 19.91, was significantly higher than that in the control group, which had an average of 13.35 ± 13.65 (P = .002). In both the case and control groups, a significant positive relationship was observed between the COHRQoL score in children and the DMFT index (P &lt; .001). There was also a significant relationship between the COHRQoL score in children with ED in both the case and control groups (P = 0.004). Conclusions: According to the results, there was no difference in the DMFT index between the 2 groups. However, as the DMFT index increased in both groups, the COHRQoL score also increased. The number of ED cases was higher in celiac patients, and this had a significant effect on the COHRQoL score. Additionally, the COHRQoL score was higher in celiac patients compared to the control group.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride and nano silver fluoride on oral health-related quality of life of children with early childhood caries: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesUntreated caries in primary teeth is one of the most prevalent health problems in children worldwide. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) non-invasively arrests caries but causes staining unlike Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF) which causes no stains. This study compared the effect of NSF and 38 % SDF on the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children after 6 months. MethodsChildren were included if they were younger than 4 years, with at least one active lesion, ICDAS score ≥3, attending nurseries in a rural area in Alexandria, Egypt. They were randomly assigned to receive NSF once at baseline, or SDF at baseline and after 6 months. The Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS) was used to assess the OHRQoL. The groups were compared using chi-square test and the effect of the intervention on OHRQoL was assessed using multiple linear regression. Results360 children were included, mean (SD) age = 42.3 (8.2) months. After 6 months, NSF had significantly lower A-ECOHIS scores than SDF in bivariate analysis (p< 0.05) and in regression analysis (B= -5.02, p = 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. There were significant reductions in the A-ECOHIS total and domains’ scores in both study groups, except for the social interaction domain in the SDF group. ConclusionAfter 6-month, both agents significantly improved children's OHRQoL although NSF had a significantly better impact on OHRQoL than SDF. Clinical SignificancePatient-reported outcomes support the inclusion of the two agents among the options for ECC management with better effect on quality of life after NSF. Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the clinicaltrials.gov registry (#NCT05255913).

The Impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation on Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect with a prevalence of 13% worldwide. This review aims to outline the current evidence regarding the impact of MIH on children’s oral health and, more broadly, their day-to-day activities. MIH is associated with negative sequelae, including hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown, the rapid development of carious lesions and poor aesthetics. Other concerns pertain to the clinical management of MIH and include difficulty in achieving local anaesthesia, increased dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and increased behaviour management problems. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is the most standardised measure of patient impact; however, no instruments have been validated for use in MIH populations. The few existing observational studies investigating the impact of MIH on OHRQoL in children have produced conflicting results. Interventions to alleviate hypersensitivity and improve aesthetics had a positive impact on the OHRQoL of MIH-affected children. Multiple methodological issues make it difficult to measure the impact of MIH, including heterogeneity in the MIH severity classification, an overlap in the indices used to diagnose dental caries and MIH as well as the subjectivity of outcome measures for hypersensitivity and DFA.

Impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation on Quality of Life.

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multifaceted concept that surpasses an exclusively clinical perception and includes functional, social, emotional, and environmental issues. The measure of OHRQoL represents a holistic approach for research and clinical practice. Negative impacts of oral conditions on OHRQoL in childhood can reflect on health development, especially in a life stage marked by social and cognitive maturation. Therefore, such problems can impact negatively on the daily lives of the individuals and their families. Individuals with molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) experience more frequent posteruptive breakdown, an elevated risk of tooth decay, filling failures, the need for recurrent dental treatment, and a higher prevalence of dental hypersensitivity. Children with severe MIH may struggle with everyday activities, such as brushing their teeth, speaking, smiling, chewing, and consuming hot or cold foods. MIH-affected incisors may exhibit opacities that can impact the aesthetics of their smiles. This condition may discourage children from smiling and can indirectly affect their parents as well. The management modalities are focused on solving functional, aesthetic, and hypersensitivity problems and to evaluate OHRQoL values before and after therapies. Therefore, this chapter aims to discuss how MIH affects the OHRQoL of children and the questionnaires that can be used to evaluate that impact.

Molar incisor hypomineralization and oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian children: A narrative review of current evidence

The aim of this narrative review was to explore the association between Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Oral Health-Related Quality-of-Life (OHRQoL) in Brazilian children aged 8-10 years. The study was developed considering the PRISMA guidelines (2020). Five databases were consulted to identify potential studies that used clinical parameters for the detection of MIH; and (b) studies that described aspects of the experience and severity of MIH; (c) records that adopted instruments recommended in the literature to explore OHRQoL in children, according to their respective age groups. The risk of bias of the included studies was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the assessment of the quality of nonrandomized studies. Of the 155 initially found, three were included. Of these, two were cross-sectional and one was a case-control study. The diagnosis of MIH was made according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, and OHRQoL was identified using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). The qualitative synthesis of the findings shows that no statistically significant association was identified between MIH and OHRQoL. Only the "oral symptoms domain" of the CPQ8-10 was associated with MIH. The studies were classified as having a low risk of bias (mean: 6.6★/7★). Thus, this study concluded that no significant association was identified between MIH and OHRQoL in Brazilian children. However, MIH may have a negative effect on the perception of oral symptoms in this population group.

Inequalities in the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Children in Saudi Arabia.

This study aims to examine the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and its determinants among elementary school children in Saudi Arabia, recognizing OHRQoL as a critical aspect of overall health and well-being. OHRQoL is an essential element of health, influencing children's ability to engage in daily activities, learning, and social interactions. In Saudi Arabia, despite free dental care, significant occurrences of untreated dental caries among children highlight disparities in oral health outcomes, likely influenced by socioeconomic factors. Baseline data from a longitudinal randomized controlled trial conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was utilized. Participants were elementary school students attending public schools, selected using stratified cluster random sampling. The study focused on both deciduous and permanent dentition, excluding children with medical issues. Data collection involved clinical evaluations and parental questionnaires, adhering to WHO criteria. The results of the study revealed significant associations between age (mean: 98.99 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): 97.8-100.1) and untreated caries (mean: 2.54, 95% CI: 2.34-2.74) with OHRQoLamong children in Saudi Arabia. Older children (Rate Ratio (RR) = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) and those with untreated caries (RR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) had higher rates of experiencing suboptimal oral health outcomes. However, no statistically significant associations were found for other variables such as gender, family income, parental education, oral hygiene frequency, and dental visits with respect to OHRQoL. The study underscores that age and untreated caries are significantly and positively associated with OHRQoL in children. These findings point to the need for targeted oral health interventions and policies within the sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia, particularly focusing on early prevention and addressing socioeconomic inequalities.

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life among three-year old preschoolers in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Background Studies about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children in Vietnam are still limited. This study aimed to examine the OHRQoL of three-year preschool children and identify associated factors. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study in three kindergartens located in a city in the northern province of Vietnam from April to June 2021. A total of 361 children and their parents were enrolled in the study. The PedsQL™ Oral Health Scale was used to measure OHRQoL. Multivariate Tobit regression was used to determine factors associated with OHRQoL of children. Results The mean Oral PedsQOL score was 77.1 (SD = 17.6). Fathers’ high education and using milk daily (Coef. = 6.54, 95%CI = 1.91-11.16) were associated with higher OHRQoL. Meanwhile, a higher number of caries (Coef. = −0.73; 95%CI = −1.23; −0.23), a high frequency of experiencing bleeding gums, egg (Coef. = −5.76, 95%CI = −10.14; −1.38) and sweet food (Coef. = −4.94; 95%CI = −9.05; −0.83) as favorite foods were related to a lower OHRQoL. Children who brushed their teeth twice a day had a lower OHRQoL than those brushing once a day or less (Coef. = −4.40; 95%CI = −8.46; −0.34). Conclusion Preschoolers had moderate OHRQoL. Related factors include parental education, oral health and oral care behavior.

The Development and Evaluation of the Slovenian Version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-SVN).

There has been no valid and reliable instrument available to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life of Slovenian preschool children. The main aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of the first Slovenian instrument assessing Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) preschool children: the ECOHIS-SVN. The ECOHIS-SVN was developed using forward-backward translations and with the participation of children aged under six and their parents. The children's teeth were examined, and parents were asked to complete questionnaires, including the ECOHIS-SVN. The internal consistency of ECOHIS-SVN was evaluated through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha (α), test-retest reliability with an intra-class-correlation coefficient (ICC), convergent validity with Spearman's rank correlation (r) and criterion validity with the Mann-Whitney test. The association between the ECOHIS-SVN score and parents' age, educational level, self-reported oral health and OHIP-SVN14 was estimated using multiple linear regression. In the study, 255 children participated, with a mean age of 4.8 years (±0.8). The ECOHIS-SVN questionnaire was completed by the parents of all 255 children and re-filled by 71 parents. The results of the total ECOHIS-SVN scale include α=0.85, ICC=0.85, and r=0.6-0.75. A statistically significant association was found between the ECOHIS-SVN and parents' age and between the ECOHIS-SVN and parents' OHIP-SVN14 in the whole group and in the subgroup of children with no teeth affected by cavitated caries (dmft=0) (p=0.025, p=0.028), respectively. ECOHIS-SVN enables further studies to assess the OHRQoL of preschool children in the Slovenian-speaking population.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Celiac Portuguese Children: a cross-sectional study

PurposeCeliac Disease (CD) presents a wide variety of clinical signs and symptoms, including oral manifestations. This study pretended to characterize Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and reported oral manifestations in children with CD.MethodsTarget-population were children with CD. An online questionnaire, applied to children’s parents, collected information about OHRQoL (using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale—ECOHIS), oral health behaviours, and history of oral manifestations. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney, Kruskall-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe sample included 146 celiac patients, with a mean age of 10.5 years (sd = 4.1). Mean ECOHIS score was 5.2 (sd = 6.8). The most frequently reported oral manifestations were recurrent aphthous stomatitis (46.6%), dental caries (45.2%) and dental opacity (39%). About one third of the participants mentioned improvements in oral health when a gluten-free diet was introduced. Most of the reported oral manifestations had a significant association with the ECOHIS score (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe OHRQoL of children was good, however oral manifestations had a negative impact on OHRQoL. The most reported oral manifestations were recurrent aphthous stomatitis, dental caries, and dental opacities. Oral health professionals must be aware about the heterogeneity of the disease, to recognize oral manifestations associated and their importance in the early diagnosis to reduce complications and to an improvement in the OHRQoL of these patients.