ABSTRACT
Introduction
Oral diseases and disorders as well as oral habits can impact the quality of life of children.
Purpose
To associate the dental caries, malocclusion and oral habits with the quality of life of preschool children.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with 93 children from three to five years of age who have or have not been affected by untreated carious lesions. Parents answered the questionnaire on oral habits and quality of life instrument related to oral health denominated Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). A pediatric dentist assessed the severity of the carious lesions and the presence of occlusal disorders. The level of significance used was 5%.
Results
The B-ECOHIS demonstrated impact on quality of life with increasing age in the fields of symptoms, psychological aspects, self-image and social interaction and family function. Dental caries were shown to have an impact on the quality of life of children and their families, especially in relation the domains of symptoms and limitations. Oronasal breathing and pacifier habits negatively impacted the quality of life of children and their families. There was no association between malocclusion and quality of life related to oral health.
Conclusion
The dental caries, the pacifier suction habits and oronasal breathing demonstrated negative impact on quality of life related to oral health of children.
Dental caries; Malocclusion; Habits; Quality of life; Child, Preschool