Impact of traumatic dental injury on the quality-of-life of children and adolescents: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the quality-of-life of students in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, who suffered traumatic dental injury.

Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out by means of structured questionnaire for traumatic dental injury evaluation, clinical oral examination and application of a quality-of-life questionnaire (CPQ11-14), validated in the Portuguese version. This study consisted of 50 children/adolescents (17 cases of traumatic dental injury and 33 controls). Psychometric properties, like internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and test-re-test reliability (ICC), were evaluated. The independent variables were collected for being of interest to the study (dental trauma) or for acting as potential confounding factors (malocclusion, caries). Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed.

Results: The Cronbach's Alpha was 0.90 for case and 0.77 for controls. ICC was 0.99. When the groups were compared, confounding factors showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Among the cases CPQ11-14 mean score was 17.59 (SD = 14.01), median = 17.00, whereas among the controls it was 3.09 (SD = 4.42), median = 1.00 (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney test). When the groups were compared, there was statistical difference frequencies between CPQ11-14 total scale and sub-scales (p < 0.05). The functional limitation and emotional well-being were the sub-scales most affected. The TDI impact was related to 'delay and difficulty in chewing', 'embarrassed or ashamed' and 'caring about what others were thinking of appearance'.

Conclusions: One can observe a relationship between traumatic dental injury and its impact on quality-of-life. Children and adolescents who suffered traumatic dental injury showed negative experiences and greater functional and emotional impact.