Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2299
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388726

Impact of Dental Caries and Malocclusion in the Quality of Life in Children from 3 to 5 Years

Mônica Carminatti 1, Audrei Thayse Viegel de Ávila 1, Erissandra Gomes 1, Fernando Borba de Araújo 1, Pricila Sleifer 1, Renata Franzon 1
  • 1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: It is mentioned in the literature that the presence of oral diseases and disorders can impact the quality of life of children and their families, including nutritional issues, oral symptoms (especially difficulties in chewing), and behavioral and educational alterations.

Objectives: To describe the impact of dental caries and malocclusion in the quality of life of preschool children.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with 93 children from 3 to 5 years of age affected or not by carious lesions. Parents answered a questionnaire on quality of life related to oral health (Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale [B-ECOHIS]). A dentist assessed the severity of carious lesions and the presence of occlusal changes. For comparisons between groups, the Fisher exact or chi-square tests were used, depending on the variable. The level of significance used was 5%.

Results: Dental caries showed impact on quality of life of children and their families (p < 0.001), especially in relation to pain (p = 0.003) and difficulty eating some food and have drinks (p < 0.001). No association between malocclusion and quality of life was observed.

Conclusion: Dental caries caused negative impact on quality of life of children and their families.