Malocclusions in primary teeth and quality of life: perception of preschoolers and their parents/guardians

Abstract

Malocclusions in primary teeth affect chewing, speech, and aesthetics. Few studies have assessed their impact on preschoolers’ self-reported quality of life. This study aims to determine the association between malocclusions in primary teeth and preschoolers’ quality of life based on reports from children and their parents/guardians. A cross-sectional study was conducted Using a stratified, simple, randomly probabilistic sample. Based on sample size estimation, the study included 566 five-year-old preschoolers and their parents/guardians from Teresina, Brazil. Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM questionnaire and sociodemographic forms were applied, and clinical examination was performed. The dmft index, modified developmental defects of enamel, and Foster & Hamilton criteria were used for diagnosis. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were performed (p < 0.05; 95% CI). Prevalence of malocclusion was 51.2%. Parents/guardians reported edge-to-edge overjet negatively affected physical capacity (RR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.02–1.20) and social aspects (RR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.03–1.19). According to children’s self-reports, posterior crossbite affected the total score (RR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.03–1.97) and oral health (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1 .04–1.13), whereas reduced overbite was linked to negative effects on the emotional aspect (RR = 1.10; 95%CI: 1.01–1.18) and oral health (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01–1.16). Malocclusions have a negative impact on the quality of life of preschoolers, as reported by parents and children.