Impact of Hypodontia on Social Well-Being and Quality of Life of Children

Abstract

Background and Objective: The congenital absence of one or more deciduous or permanent teeth is called hypodontia. It is the most common congenital dental anomaly. Hypodontia could be caused by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the current study was to find out the impact of hypodontia on the social well-being and quality of life of children. Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was carried out on 40 patients suffering from hypodontia and 40 healthy controls in the outpatient Department at Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan. Patients and healthy controls were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique without any gender discrimination. Age of the selected patients and controls was 11 – 14 years. Urdu proformas were used for better understanding of children. Results: Mean age of the patients suffering from hypodontia was 11.8 (± 0.90) years and mean age of healthy controls was 11.9 (± 0.98). Most common missing tooth was maxillary lateral incisor. Out of n = 40 patients, 85% and 82.5% used to avoid smile and urge with other people respectively. Almost 85% children were teased by other children and also were repetitively asked questions about their anomaly. Conclusion: Hypodontia has substantial impact on the social well-being and quality of life of the children. Patients were socially disturbed and had a poor quality of life.