The impact of malocclusion on the oral health related quality of life of 11-14-year-old children

Background: The relationship between malocclusion and the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children needs to be explored further as existing literature presents conflicting evidence. This study aims to determine the association between malocclusion and OHRQoL of 11-14-year-old children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 caregiver/child dyads seeking orthodontic consultation at a tertiary care hospital. The OHRQoL was assessed using child perception questionnaire for 11-14-year-old children (CPQ(11-14)) and the severity of malocclusion was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). CPQ(11-14) scores ranged from 0 to 64, with lower scores representing better quality of life. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences between domain and total CPQ(11-14) scores. Results: The mean CPQ(11-14) score was 19.89 +/- 9.8. Mean scores for the oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being domains were 5.26 +/- 3.22, 3.67 +/- 3.58, 3.98 +/- 3.89 and 2.08 +/- 2.98, respectively. Normal or slight malocclusion was seen in 37.6%, definite malocclusion was seen in 22.4%, severe malocclusion in 15.2% and handicapping malocclusion in 24.8% of the subjects. In comparisons by pairs, it was found that children with handicapping malocclusion had significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for the social well-being domain as compared with children having normal/minor malocclusion, indicating a poorer quality of life. Conclusion: Handicapping malocclusion had a significant negative impact on the social well-being domain of OHRQoL among 11-14-year-old children in this population.