Impact of Developmental enamel defects on quality of life in 5-year-old children

Abstract

Background: Developmental enamel defects (DDE) represent one of the prevalent oral problems in childhood; however, few studies have evaluated its impact on quality of life in the children's own perception.

Aim: To evaluate the DDE impact on quality of life of 5-year-old children.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study assessed 566 children aged 5 years old, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, according to their self-perceptions. Children answered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory^™ Version 4.0 and Oral Health Scale. The dmft index, modified DDE index and Foster and Hamilton criteria were used to diagnose dental caries, DDE and malocclusion, respectively. A single examiner performed the clinical examination. Descriptive analyses and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed.

Results: The prevalence of DDE was 33.7%. For children's self-reports, the presence of DDE had a negative association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL; PR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.15). Enamel hypoplasia had a negative impact on the physical function (PR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.10) and oral health (PR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11) domains. Diffuse opacity had a negative impact on the social aspect (PR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.18).

Conclusions: Enamel defects had a negative impact on OHRQoL according to the self-reports of the children.

Keywords: enamel defects; preschool children; quality of life.