Impact of Oral and Dental Health on Children’s and Parents’ Quality of Life Based on Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) Index

Abstract

Background: Oral and dental health-related quality of life means the physical and psychological satisfaction with oral health status and the appearance of the teeth. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of oral and dental health on children's and parent ' s quality of life based on Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) index. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 400 children (2-5 years of age) were selected from the Pediatric Department of Kerman Dental School. A clinical oral examination was performed and their dmft was documented. Then the parents completed the ECOHIS questionnaire. Data were analyzed by chi-squared test, two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean of dmft in children was 5.6±3.6. The mean scores obtained from ECOHIS questionnaire in the child and parent impact section were 4.07±0.79 and 3.28±0.83, respectively. There was an inverse statistical relationship between the mean of dmft and quality of life in children and parents (P<0.05). Conclusion: Children's oral and dental health has a significant impact on children's and parents' quality of life. This impact on children's quality of life is more than that on parents.