Impact of traumatic dental injury on the quality of life of Brazilian preschool children

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Nov 28;10(12):6422-41. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10126422.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on the quality of life of preschoolers and their families. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 814 children, aged three to five years old, in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/caregivers were asked to complete the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale and a questionnaire on socio-demographic data. Oral examinations of the children were performed by three previously calibrated dentists. Bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed (α = 5%). The prevalence of negative impact from oral conditions on quality of life was 31.1% among the children and 24.7% among the families. TDI was not associated with a negative impact on quality of life. Parent/caregiver's assessment of the child's oral health (PR = 1.210; 95% CI: 1.027-1.426) and history of toothache (PR = 4.997; 95% CI: 2.943-8.493) remained in the final model for the child section, whereas only a history of toothache (PR = 2.791; 95% CI: 1.801-4.325) remained in the final model for the family section. TDI exerted no negative impact on quality of life in the present sample. A history of toothache was the only variable associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of the preschoolers and their families.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tooth Injuries / epidemiology
  • Tooth Injuries / etiology
  • Tooth Injuries / psychology*