Oral health condition and interpersonal relationship of scholars of a public institution

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status and to analyze the self- erception of the impact of oral health statuson the interpersonal relationship of students from a local school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A non-probabilistic sample was used, consisting of 260 children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 years. Oral health status was evaluated by clinical examination according to the World Health Organization criteria. The perception of the students of their oral health status was assessed by interview using a questionnaire developed from PeNSE (Brazilian National School Health survey) and CPQ 11-14 (Child Perception Questionnaire). Chi- quare and Fisher's exact test were used, with level of significance of 5% (p< 0.05). Results: A DMFT index equal to 0 was observed in 51.5% of the participants. The questionnaire revealed that most students were happy about their own smile (88.1%). However, 35.8% had already avoided smiling and 18.5% had refrained from some daily activities because of the appearance of their teeth. Conclusion: Although half of the students were free of dental caries and most were satisfied with their smile, a sizable number felt upset and embarrassed about their teeth, which may interfere in the relationship with their peers.