H D Rodd1, Z Marshman, J Porritt, J Bradbury, S R Baker. 1. Paediatric Dentistry/Head of Unit of Oral Health and Development, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK. h.d.rodd@sheffeld.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A variety of inherited and acquired conditions affect the dentition. The aim of this research was to investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children in relation to the status of their permanent incisors, at a significant transitional stage in their childhood. METHOD: Two hundred and sixteen patients of the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, aged between 10 and 11 years, were sent an OHRQoL questionnaire (CPQ₁₁₋₁₄) three months before secondary school entry. Participants were categorised, according to clinical status, as having a visible dental difference (abnormal incisor aesthetics and/or orthodontic malocclusion) or no visible difference. Follow-up questionnaires were issued three months after secondary school entry to obtain repeat psychosocial data. Analysis of variance tests investigated the impact of clinical variables, self-reported satisfaction with dental appearance and gender on OHRQoL during educational transition. RESULTS: Ninety-two children participated in the baseline study and 71 of these children completed the follow-up questionnaire (43% and 77% response rates, respectively). Visible dental differences and dissatisfaction with dental appearance were associated with worse OHRQoL at baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Dental conditions which result in visible incisor differences are associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction with appearance and have potential to negatively impact on children's OHRQoL.
BACKGROUND: A variety of inherited and acquired conditions affect the dentition. The aim of this research was to investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children in relation to the status of their permanent incisors, at a significant transitional stage in their childhood. METHOD: Two hundred and sixteen patients of the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, aged between 10 and 11 years, were sent an OHRQoL questionnaire (CPQ₁₁₋₁₄) three months before secondary school entry. Participants were categorised, according to clinical status, as having a visible dental difference (abnormal incisor aesthetics and/or orthodontic malocclusion) or no visible difference. Follow-up questionnaires were issued three months after secondary school entry to obtain repeat psychosocial data. Analysis of variance tests investigated the impact of clinical variables, self-reported satisfaction with dental appearance and gender on OHRQoL during educational transition. RESULTS: Ninety-two children participated in the baseline study and 71 of these children completed the follow-up questionnaire (43% and 77% response rates, respectively). Visible dental differences and dissatisfaction with dental appearance were associated with worse OHRQoL at baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Dental conditions which result in visible incisor differences are associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction with appearance and have potential to negatively impact on children's OHRQoL.