Impact of untreated dental caries on the quality of life of Brazilian children: population‐based study

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Background The assessment of oral health should consider clinical and biopsychosocial aspects. Aim To evaluate the impact of untreated dental caries on the quality of life of children. Design A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 647 Brazilian children. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire ( CPQ 8–10 ) and the ‘oral health’ global indicator were administered to the children and used as the outcomes. Parents answered a general questionnaire, and oral clinical examinations were performed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi‐squared test, Mann–Whitney test, and Poisson's regression analysis ( α = 5%). The psychometric properties of the CPQ 8–10 were tested for younger age group (6/7 years). Results Untreated caries was a predictor of impact on quality of life for the following items: ‘pain in teeth/mouth’ ( PR = 1.69; 95% CI : 1.41–2.04), ‘difficulty biting/chewing hard foods’ ( PR = 1.28; 95% CI : 1.05–1.56), ‘difficulty eating what you wanted to eat’ ( PR = 1.61; 95% CI : 1.29–2.02), ‘trouble sleeping’ ( PR = 1.64; 95% CI : 1.27–2.13), ‘missed school’ ( PR = 1.62; 95% CI : 1.24–2.12), ‘trouble doing homework’ ( PR = 1.61; 95% CI : 1.12–2.31), and ‘difficulty paying attention in class’ ( PR = 1.41; 95% CI : 1.01–1.96). Conclusion Children with untreated dental caries feel greater negative impacts on quality of life than children without untreated caries.