Seeking children’s perspectives in the management of visible enamel defects

Abstract

Simple non-invasive dental treatment can have a positive effect on appearance-related satisfaction. The use of child-centred approaches offers an invaluable insight into patient perspectives.

Impact of Developmental enamel defects on quality of life in 5‐year‐old children

“…Methodological differences related to the quality‐of‐life instruments used, the teeth evaluated, and the type of analyses makes it difficult to compare the results of previous studies with the present investigation. The results of these studies on the impact of DDE in OHRQoL are divergent, and they only show the perception from parents or guardians using specific questionnaires that do not show the impact on quality of life related to general health …”

“…Children with some types of enamel defects require more complex treatments . Therefore, dentists should be sensitive towards the clinical and emotional needs of patients with this change so that they can institute appropriate treatment . Management of patients in the primary dentition should be focused on early diagnosis and secondary prevention.…”

“…Because the formation of the enamel of permanent molars and incisors occurs during the same period as the formation of the enamel in the primary molars, the presence of DDE in the primary dentition is a predictive factor for DDE in the permanent dentition . Thus, it is recommended that the child is examined before 12 months of age for the early detection of DDE and then undergoes periodic returns for reassessment and treatment of adverse oral conditions …”

How do children view other children who have visible enamel defects?

“…Developmental defects of enamel are common, with a wide range of aetiologies and presentations. Although subtle diffuse white enamel opacities may not be readily detectable by the public, demarcated brown, yellow, or cream opacities, such as those associated with molar incisor hypomineralisation, may be all too visible to others.…”

Involving children in research, audit and service evaluation

“…It is also possible to use open-ended questionnaires to generate items. Rodd and co-workers 47 initially sought the views of patients who had received treatment for enamel defects. Patients were sent an open-ended questionnaire to ascertain how having visible enamel opacities had affected them and what improved following treatment.…”