Association among quality of life, dental caries treatment and intraoral distribution in 12‐year‐old S outh B razilian schoolchildren

Objectives To assess the association between dental caries treatment, intraoral distribution and oral health‐related quality of life ( OHRQoL ) of 12‐year‐old S outh B razilian schoolchildren. Methods This cross‐sectional survey used a multistage probability sampling strategy to select a representative sample of schoolchildren from P orto A legre, southern B razil. Data were collected from S eptember 2009 to D ecember 2010, and 1528 of 1837 eligible schoolchildren attending public and private schools participated. Clinical examination was conducted to assess dental caries experience ( DMFT ). OHRQoL was assessed by a self‐reported 16‐item C hild P erception Q uestionnaire ( CPQ 11–14 ). Parents/legal guardians answered questions on socio‐economic status. Survey negative binomial regression models were used to assess the association between CPQ 11–14 scores and caries treatment status (treated/untreated) and intraoral distribution (anterior/posterior). Estimates were controlled for gender and socio‐economic status. Results Compared to schoolchildren without treatment needs, individuals with treated caries presented an improved OHRQoL (overall CPQ 11–14 , adjusted RR  = 0.90, 95% CI  = 0.85–0.96; functional limitations, adjusted RR  = 0.86, 95% CI  = 0.75–0.99; emotional well‐being, adjusted RR  = 0.89, 95% CI  = 0.80–0.99), whereas those with untreated caries presented a poorer OHRQoL (oral symptoms, adjusted RR  = 1.06, 95% CI  = 1.02–1.10; emotional well‐being, adjusted RR  = 1.09, 95% CI  = 1.01–1.20). Individuals with caries in anterior teeth experienced greater negative impact on oral symptoms (adjusted RR  = 1.11, 95% CI  = 1.05–1.18) and social well‐being (adjusted RR  = 1.30; 95% CI  = 1.14–1.47) domains than caries‐free students. Conclusions Treated caries was positively associated with OHRQoL ; untreated caries and caries affecting anterior teeth were negatively associated with OHRQoL of 12‐year‐old B razilian schoolchildren.