Impact of Dental Trauma on Quality of Life Among 11–14 Years Schoolchildren

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries are common dental problems in pediatric dentistry that may influence the children's quality of life. AIM: the aim of this study is to assess the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Egyptian schoolchildren aged 11–14 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving a sample of 11700 schoolchildren from public and private schools of Mansoura city, Egypt. OHRQoL was assessed using Child Perceptions Questionnaire. Clinical examination included the presence and type of TDI, malocclusion status, and dental caries in anterior teeth (decayed, missing, and filled teeth). RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI was 13.6%. Untreated TDI was more likely to have a negative impact on the children's daily living regarding pain, functional, emotional, and social aspect than treated injuries and control children. Pearson's correlation test indicated significant association between trauma and malocclusion and dental caries. CONCLUSION: Untreated dental injury has a negative impact on quality of life regarding social, functional, and emotional aspects. However, treated injured teeth appear to improve social and emotional aspects of the OHRQoL of school children, whereas functional limitations may continue because of the pulpal and periodontal effects of the injury.