Elucidating the impact of dental caries, pain and treatment on academic performance in children

Abstract

Background: The evidence for the impact of oral health on academic performance is still unclear.

Aim: To assess the impact of oral health conditions on poor academic performance in schoolchildren by including a range of clinical and self-reported OH measures in a modified cross-sectional study.

Design: This study was carried out on schoolchildren aged 12-14 years in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, using a stratified and randomised cluster sampling method. Clinical indices from oral screening and self-reported OH conditions and behaviours and school absence from the self-administered questionnaire were recorded a month before the school examination. Results of passing or failing the examination were obtained after the examination. Statistical associations were examined using bivariate and multiple logistic regressions. The oral health measures were categorised based on the types of conditions and briefly appraised.

Results: Measures of dental caries, dental pain, soft tissue problems, oral hygiene, tooth discolouration, tooth mobility and school absence due to dental pain were associated with greater odds of failing the examination (p < .05). Measures of dental treatment and absence due to dental visits were associated with lower odds of failing (p < .05).

Conclusions: Dental caries with pain likely explains the poor academic performance of schoolchildren, whereas treatment has a protective effect.

Keywords: academic performance; caries; failing the examination; oral conditions; oral health problems; school performance.