Oral-health-related quality of life in schoolchildren in an endemic fluorosis area of Mexico.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children living in an endemic hydrofluorosis area.

METHODS

Schoolchildren aged 8-10 years living in an area with 3.38 ppm F water concentration completed a validated Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ(8-10ESP)). World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were applied for the diagnosis of dental caries and malocclusion. Additionally, the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI) was used for fluorosis diagnosis. CPQ(8-10ESP) scores and oral health status were analyzed using non-parametric tests and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twelve schoolchildren participated in this study. The mean CPQ(8-10ESP) score was 12.98 (SD 11.4). General oral health was rated as "poor" in 14.6%, "fair" in 41.5%, "good" in 25.9%, and "very good" in 17.9% of the children. Regarding overall well-being, half (51.6%) of the children perceived that the condition of their mouths disturbs their quality of life (QoL). Children with dental fluorosis (TF >4) had a high CPQ(8-10ESP) score in all domains (P < 0.005). Additionally, children with DMFS + dmfs >5 had higher scores in the oral symptoms, functional limitation, and emotional well-being CPQ(8-10ESP) domains (P < 0.05). Applying a CPQ(8-10ESP) cutoff point of 32, the OR values for severe malocclusion, caries, and fluorosis were 5.2 (P = 0.034), 4.6 (P = 0.006), and 5.1 (P = 0.007), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Malocclusion, caries, and fluorosis were associated with a negative impact on children's QoL.