Scholarly record

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NEED AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN LIVING IN THE DANUBE DELTA RESERVE BIOSPHERE

Ilia Teodora Jipa, Mihaela Duta, Corneliu Amariei

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an important and integrated part of the general health. On the other hand, oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) has become a significant research field in the last decade. Different oral – dental diseases affect OHRQOL. The aim of this study is to evaluate the orthodontic treatment need in children aged 9-12 years living in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Romania and to identify it’s potential influence on OHRQOL. Methods: This study had a cross-sectional design and was conducted in 390 school children aged 9-12 years old. The research protocol received all the approvals on behalf of the ethical local authorities and each individual school. Informed consent from each parent or guardian was received for each child included in the study. All children were clinically examined in order to establish their orthodontic need of treatment using the dental health component (DHC) and the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). OHRQOL was evaluated using child OIDP questionnaire (oral impact on daily performances) auto administrated. Results: 390 school children aged 9-12 years old were examined (82% of the target population). The IOTN score registered: score 1 (44% of population), score 2 (45,9% of population); 8,7% of children score IOTN 3, which is equivalent with at limit treatment need. There weren’t IOTN score 4 or 5. Prevalence of the main causes upon oral health problems is: dental decay (57,95%), halitosis (53,08%), dental sensitivity (47,94%), gingival bleeding (47,69%) and dental pain (47,33%). Conclusions: This study shows a good oral health status regarding malocclusion in children aged 9-12 years living in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Romania. Although 8,7% of children are found to be at limit of orthodontic treatment need- which is a favourable situation regarding malocclusion as an oral health problem- approximately 1/3 of the examined children reported one activity, as being affected mostly eating, talking or oral hygiene. Acknowledgements: As far as the authors are aware, there is no conflict of interests.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2014/B12/S2.076

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