Exploring the association between oral health problems and oral health-related quality of life in Peruvian 11-to 14-year-old children

BackgroundThis is the first study that tested a Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ(11-14)) in a population-based sample. AimTo assess the impact of oral health problems on OHRQoL in 11- to 14-year-old children. DesignData from 473 11- to 14-year-old children were analysed. They were interviewed using the CPQ11-14. Examinations included dental caries, malocclusion, and traumatic dental injuries. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to associate different clinical conditions to the outcome. ResultsOverall, 100% of children reported oral impacts (total CPQ(11-14) score 1). Children aged 12- to 14years old experienced a negative impact on all domains and total CPQ11-14 scores (P<0.05); the increase in DMFT index showed a negative impact on the oral symptoms domain (RR=1.01; P=0.05, whereas Class III malocclusion showed a positive impact on the emotional well-being domain (RR=0.71; P<0.01). TDI (RR=1.11; P=0.01) and crown discoloration (RR=1.23; P<0.01) showed a negative impact on the emotional social well-being domain. ConclusionChildren aged 12- to 14years old had a negative impact on all domains and total CPQ11-14 scores compared with those who are 11years old. The increase in dental caries experience, presences of TDI and crown discoloration have a negative impact on some aspects of the children's OHRQoL. Class III malocclusion showed a positive impact on the emotional well-being domain.