Impact of traumatic dental injury on quality of life among Brazilian preschool children and their families.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on the quality of life of preschool children and their families.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 388 60- to 71-month-old children. Data on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were collected using the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Oral examinations of the children were performed to determine the prevalence of TDI. Data analysis involved the chi-square test and multiple Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OHRQoL of the children and their families was approximately 49% and 35%, respectively. The adjusted Poisson regression model revealed that the OHRQoL of the children and their families was significantly related to parents'/caregivers' report of the occurrence of TDI (PR =1.54, 95% confidence interval=1.22-1.93; and PR=1.63, 95% CI=1.21-2.19, respectively). The nonadjusted Poisson regression analysis, the OHRQofL of the children and their families was not related to TDI, as determined by the clinical examination (PR=1.15, 95% CI=0.92-1.42; and PR=1.28, 95% CI=0.95-1.71, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The families and children who had traumatic dental injury, perceived by the parents/caregivers, had a greater chance of reporting an impact on quality of life.