The Impact of Anemia-Related Early Childhood Caries on Parents’ and Children’s Quality of Life

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Today, oral diseases are well-known for their effects, not only on daily life but also on quality of life (QoL). Dental caries, especially early childhood caries (ECC), are considered a public health concern as regards their impact on the life quality of children and parents from multiple aspects. The present research was conducted to assess the effect of anemia on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in terms of children and parents. Materials and Methods: The current study was performed in two independent stages. In the first stage, the Turkish version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), and in the second stage, the Turkish version of the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) were used to measure the effect of anemia-related dental caries among children and parents. SPSS and Jamovi software were used for all calculations, graphs and comparisons. Results: A total of 204 participants (child–parent pairs) were incorporated in the present study. A considerable number of children (81.5%) reported occasional or more frequent oral/dental pain. Secondly, the subscale scores were determined for child symptoms (2.25 ± 0.067), child function (6.8 ± 0.22), child psychology (3.87 ± 0.128), self-image and social interaction (1.74 ± 0.063), parental distress (3.82 ± 0.143), and family function (3.5 ± 0.121). Additionally, more than half of the parents (56.3%) responded “fair” for the health of their children’s teeth, lips, jaws and mouth. Similarly, the child’s overall well-being was stated as being affected “a lot” by the condition of their child’s teeth, lips, jaws or mouth by half of the parents (49.5%). Conclusions: Anemia-related dental caries has a highly negative impact on the quality of life of children and parents according to both of the questionnaires. Therefore, children with high scores should be prioritized for preventive procedures and timely dental treatments.

Early Childhood Caries Prevalence & Associated Factors In A Low Income Urban Community Of Karachi

“…Schroth colleagues compared Severe ECC children with caries free children and found lower mean Hb in children with Severe ECC, and 6 times greater odds of iron deficiency anemia compared to caries free children 23. Similarly, Tang and colleagues reported more than 7 times greater odds of anemia in children with higher number of carious tooth surfaces (>35 DEFS) compared to those having lesser number of affected tooth surfaces (<35 DEFS) 23 . Study used a different modelling approach and observed that caries severity is higher in children with anemia, which is consistent with these previous studies 24 Our information was collected through the child's mother, this was an advantage as direct interaction was done. Our study was conducted within a single community, due to which we cannot translate our findings to other low income communities.…”

Dentistry: A Multidisciplinary Approach

“…The findings are crucial for clinical decision-making, offering guidance on selecting appropriate desensitizing agents to ensure the optimal retention of dental prostheses [ 29 ]. The article “The Impact of Anemia-Related Early Childhood Caries on Parents’ and Children’s Quality of Life” by Dila Özyılkan et al [ 30 ] explores the relationship between anemia-related dental caries in children and their quality of life, as well as that of their parents. Utilizing the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), the study assesses the impact of these dental issues on children and parents.…”

“…Utilizing the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), the study assesses the impact of these dental issues on children and parents. The findings highlight the significant negative impact of anemia-related dental caries on quality of life, underscoring the importance of prioritizing preventive measures and timely dental treatments for affected children [ 30 ].…”

Early childhood caries and its impact on general health: Narrative review

“…The Impact of Anemia-Related Early Childhood Caries on Parents' and Children's Quality of Life (16).…”

“…The present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of anemia on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in terms of children and parents (16). 13 PubMed Transversal study Impact of dental caries on oral health-related quality of life in children with dental behavior management problems (17).…”