Do malocclusions affect oral health related quality of life?

[Effect of molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: a systematic review]

Introduction

Hypersensitivity, altered dental appearance and fractures are common problems in molar incisor hypomineralization that generate functional and socio-emotional problems.

Objective

to evaluate the effect of MIH on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.

Materials and methods

A systematic bibliographic search was carried out in electronic databases (Pubmed, Epistemonikos, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Virtual Health Library). Observational studies in English or Spanish conducted between 2016-2022 that evaluated the quality of life of children and adolescents with molar incisor hypomineralization were identified. Most studies were of good methodological quality.

Results

Of 96 identified studies, thirteen were included in the synthesis. The most frequent diagnostic criterion for hypomineralization of molar incisors was the index of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and nine studies reported the severity of the disease. The most widely used scale to measure quality of life was the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ). According to the children's perception, the most affected dimensions were "Oral Symptoms" and "Emotional Well-Being", according to the parents they were "Oral Symptoms" and "Functional Limitations". Girls with molar incisor hypomineralization had worse oral health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

The negative effect of molar incisor hypomineralization on children's oral health-related quality of life seems to vary between the perception of parents and children.

Can malocclusion among children impact their oral health-related quality of life? parents' perspective

Background and Aim

Malocclusion can negatively impact the quality of life of children. Therefore, this study assesses the impact of proxy-reported malocclusion and oral health-related quality of life among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from the parents or guardians' perspectives.

Materials and Methods

A self-administered electronic questionnaire was used to assess the correlation between proxy-reported malocclusion conditions during the early mixed dentition stage (children age 6-12 years) and oral health-related quality of life using the OHIP-14 measure. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results

Among the 353 participants in the study, anterior open-bite was the most common proxy-reported malocclusion with a prevalence of 19%, followed by unilateral posterior cross bite (13.3%). Furthermore, 31% reported that their children sometimes experienced negative impacts on quality of life from malocclusions. The results also show that OHIP-14 scores were significantly associated with all proxy-reported malocclusion (p < 0.05). The highest OHIP-14 score was found to be significantly associated with the presence of deep-bite from parents' or guardians' perspective.

Conclusion

The presence of some proxy-assessed malocclusion was associated with negative impacts on children's oral health-related quality of life. This is very important to consider when assessing the need for orthodontic intervention, especially at this stage as this age is critical in building a child's confidence and self-esteem.

Reference parameters for normality and associated factors to hard palate during mixed dentition phase

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association among dimensions of the hard palate according to the sexes, skin color, and periods of the mixed dentition and present reference parameters of normality for this stage of development.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated a representative sample of children between the ages of 7 and 13 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The outcomes of the study were the dimensions of the palate: width measurements and depth. Sociodemographic characteristics and related oral measures were also assessed. Adjusted linear regression model were used to evaluate the effect of the predictor's variables on the dimensions of the hard palate in millimeters. The reference standards for the hard palate normality were presented in mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 569 children were evaluated. The hard palate dimensions were larger in the male sex and smaller in the first transitional period of mixed dentition. Skin color had an influence on the hard palate width at the level of the premolars, and the width measurements were smaller in white individuals. Posterior cross bite, Angle Class II and III malocclusions and non-nutritional sucking habits caused reduction in the hard palate width measurements.

CONCLUSION

Different dimensions of the hard palate are influenced by demographic variables such as sex, skin color, and mixed dentition period. Children of the female sex, white-skinned and in the first transition period of mixed dentition had smaller dimensions of the hard palate. Establishing normality reference standards in measurements of the palates guides the clinical practice.

Pathways to anterior open bite after changing of pacifier sucking habit in preschool children: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pacifier use is a major cause of anterior open bite (AOB), which negatively impacts the quality of life of children affected.

AIM

To assess the direct and indirect pathways related to pacifier sucking habit and AOB in preschool children.

DESIGN

This 2-year cohort study evaluated a random sample of preschool children (2-5 years of age) from Southern Brazil. Caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing socio-economic and behavioural characteristics. Anterior open bite was recorded following the criteria recommended by Foster and Hamilton. Structural equation model was performed to assess the direct and indirect pathways among variables at baseline (T1) to predict the AOB at follow-up (T2).

RESULTS

Regarding the AOB, 407 children were evaluated at T1 and 187 at T2. The prevalence of AOB was 32.9% at baseline and 16.0% at follow-up. The presence of AOB at follow-up was directly affected by the change in pacifier sucking habit from T1 to T2. Considering the indirect paths, the AOB at T1 influenced the AOB in T2 via a change of pacifier sucking habit.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the non-habit of sucking pacifiers is a fundamental strategy for the prevention of AOB as well as the promotion of health in childhood.