Impact of traumatic dental injuries on the quality of life of schoolchildren

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) on children's quality of life is sparse.

Aim: To determine the association between TDI and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among schoolchildren aged 11-14 years.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving a representative sample of 409 schoolchildren from 13 municipalities in the Midwest Region of the Brazilian Southern State of Santa Catarina. Clinical examination included the presence and type of TDI and the treatment provided (or needed) according to criteria used in the UK Children's Dental Health Survey. Dental caries in anterior teeth and malocclusion status were also collected according to WHO criteria. OHRQoL was assessed using the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), and the outcome was the prevalence of one or more adverse impacts on quality of life occurring often/very often.

Results: The prevalence of TDI was 16.6% (95% CI 13.0-20.2). The prevalence of one or more adverse impacts occurring often/very often was 46.6% (95% CI 41.7-51.5). Logistic regression modeling for the outcome indicated an independent and significant association between the prevalence of one or more adverse impacts occurring often/very often and the presence of TDI even after adjustment for gender, presence of dental caries in anterior teeth and malocclusion. A prevalence ratio of 1.79 (95% CI 1.16-2.76) of one or more adverse impacts occurring often/very often in schoolchildren with TDI was found, compared to those without TDI.

Conclusions: Traumatic dental injuries appear to affect schoolchildren's OHRQoL.