ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the perspectives of parents and children on the impact of early childhood caries (ECC) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHQoF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 400 children aged 3-5 years were recruited for the study. About 200 children who were caries-free were the controls for the study. The remaining 200 consisted of children who were diagnosed with ECC and required dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Oral health-related quality of life was recorded at baseline and 6 months after intervention using the Michigan oral health-related quality of life scale. Data were analyzed and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. RESULTS: Children with ECC were found to have a significantly lower oral health-related quality of life compared with caries-free children, and a statistically significant difference was seen between both groups. The main concern for both parents and children at baseline was pain at the first visit when the evaluation was done. After the intervention, a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life was seen. CONCLUSION: Early childhood caries was found to have detrimental effects on the oral health-related quality of life. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was found to bring a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life. The perspectives of both parents and children were found to be similar. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early childhood caries has an impact on the lives of children and their parents. Oral health-related quality of life was low with children suffering from ECC. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia can significantly improve the OHRQoL of children. Continuous monitoring of the children with regular follow-ups and parental education should be enforced to prevent the relapse of ECC.
