Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Children with Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: To evaluate the factors that affect the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with early childhood caries (ECC).

Materials and methods: A total of 340 children aged between 3 and 6 who were diagnosed with ECC were enrolled in the study. Parents accompanying the children completed a questionnaire on the sociodemographic status and filled out the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for the evaluation of OHRQoL. Data were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.

Results: The study population consisted of 189 (55.6%) boys and 151 girls (44.4%). A total of 96.4% had cavitated lesions; 31.2% of the children had pain at the time of evaluation. A significant association was seen between the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) score of the child (p < 0.001). Pain at the time of evaluation and DMFT status had a significant association with the ECOHIS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Early childhood caries was found to impact the OHRQoL. Pain, visible dental plaque, family income, and parental education were found to be determinants that affect the OHRQoL.

Clinical significance: Early childhood caries significantly reduces the OHRQoL of children and their families. Pain, visible dental plaque, family income, and parental education were found to influence the OHRQoL. Teaching parents the importance of oral health and preventive treatment will help prevent the occurrence of ECC.