The effect of severe caries on the quality of life in young children.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study assessed the possible effects of extensive dental caries on the quality of life in young children.


METHODS
Information was collected for 77 children (age 35-66 months, mean = 44 months) with severe caries in the primary dentition. Parents or guardians were asked questions concerning pain, eating habits, and social behavior of the children before and after oral rehabilitation.


RESULTS
Dental disease was found to have an impact on children's well being. There was a significant change in complaint of pain, eating preferences, quantity of food eaten, and sleep habits before and after treatment of dental caries.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the effect of severe caries on quality of life in young children.
Low
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W
Pediatric Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal.
Tan
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S
Schwartz
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D000208:Acute Disease; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires