Impacto da cárie dentária na qualidade de vida de adultos residentes no entorno de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of dental carries on quality of life. The aim was to assess the quality of life of adults in greater Belo Horizonte (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil) in accordance with the prevalence and severity of dental caries. A domicile-based cross-sectional study was carried out with cluster sampling. Data collection involved the DMFT index and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The prevalence of dental caries was defined based on the presence of at least one carious tooth (D ≥ 1) and greater severity was defined as DMFT ≥ 25. Among the 1138 adults studied, 461 had at least one carious tooth. Higher quality of life values were found among individuals without dental caries and those with lesser severity of caries. A greater number of carious teeth and higher DMFT index denoted a reduction in quality of life (p < 0.001). Negative correlations between dental caries and quality of life were determined in the psychological, social and environmental domains. In conclusion, dental caries exerts a negative impact on the quality of life of adults. Subjective indicators can contribute in qualifying clinical information on oral health.