Oral-health-related quality of life among children with and without dental fear

: Luoto A, Lahti S, Nevanperä T, Tolvanen M, Locker D

: 2009

: International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry

: International journal of paediatric dentistry

: Int J Paediatr Dent

: 19

: 2

: 115

: 20

: 0960-7439

: 1365-263X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-263X.2008.00943.x

This study aims to determine whether the oral-health-related quality of life (ORHQoL) and its dimensions differed among children with and without dental fear when different characteristics of fear were measured.\nThe participants were 11- to 14-year-old Finnish child volunteers from the Oulu University Hospital cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) treatment register (n = 51) and schoolchildren (n = 82). Dental fear was measured with 'Treatment of dental decay' and 'Attending dentist' dimensions of the modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and a single question. ORHQoL was measured with CPQ(11-14). Background variables were gender and the dental care experienced.\nThe response rates were 87% and 51% in the schoolchildren's and CLP groups, respectively. Those who were afraid of 'Treatment of dental decay' had higher mean CPQ(11-14 )total scores (33.2) and higher scores for social (8.8) and emotional well-being (9.0) than those who were not fearful (24.0, 6.2, and 5.8, respectively, P < 0.05), indicating poorer ORHQoL. Among those with experience of orthodontics, the association between dental fear and social and emotional well-being was weaker than among those with no experience of orthodontics.\nDental fear may have a negative effect on a child's ORHQoL, especially on social and emotional well-being. Positive minor treatment experiences might weaken this effect.\nOBJECTIVES\nMATERIAL AND METHODS\nRESULTS\nCONCLUSION