Oral health-related quality of life in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Purpose

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) results from mutations in the genes involved in the modification or biosynthesis of collagen. This study aimed to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with OI.

Methodology

Participants were recruited from a highly specialised OI centre for children. The Child Oral-Health Impact Profile—Short Form (COHIP-SF) was used, adding demographic and qualitative questions. Children aged 8–16 years participated between January and October 2019. Statistical analysis was carried out. A higher COHIP-SF score indicates better OHRQoL (maximum score, 76).

Results

One hundred and six (106) children participated (44 female, mean age 11.93 years). COHIP-SF median score was 59. Children reporting mild OI (n = 55) had higher median scores (62) compared to severe OI (n = 7) with median scores of 55 (P = 0.087). When comparing mixed (< 12 years, n = 46) and permanent dentition (≥ 12, n = 60), no significant difference in OHRQoL was seen (P = 0.977). There was no significant difference between severities for each COHIP-SF domain. Limited data on the presence of dentinogenesis imperfecta did not impact overall score (P = 0.109), but was significant in the oral-health domain (P = 0.033).

Qualitative

Common themes were the need for braces, discolouration, pain and function.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that children with OI have dental concerns in areas including oral health, functional well-being and socio-emotional well-being. This was related to severity of OI.

Knowledge, perceptions, and clinical experiences on molar incisor hypomineralization among dental care providers in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an alarming problem with considerable challenges in management. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge, perceptions, and clinical experiences of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) between general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) in Hong Kong.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 557 randomly selected GDPs (approximately 25% of all registered dentists) and all registered PDs (n = 31) were invited. They were asked to complete a 4-section questionnaire adapted and modified from a study by Gambetta-Tessini and co-workers on sociodemographic profiles, knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding MIH. Data were analyzed with chi-square, Fisher's exact, and multiple factor ANCOVA tests.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 43.37% (255/588). Majority (74.1%) of the respondents encountered MIH in their practices. A significantly higher mean knowledge score (46.33 ± 7.1) was observed among PDs than GDPs (43.09 ± 7.0) (P < 0.01) and among PDs who are 40 years old or younger (P < 0.001). Differences in treatment of MIH were also observed between PDs and GDPs (P < 0.05). Paediatric dentists were more confident in diagnosing and treating MIH (P < 0.001). Most respondents (87.8%) expressed a need for continuing education on MIH.

CONCLUSION

Continuing education on MIH is needed to assure that the highest quality of evidence-based care is given to patients with MIH. Dissemination of latest best evidence on MIH, especially to GDPs, will assure that the condition is accurately diagnosed and well managed.