The Effects of Untreated Caries on Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life and Body Mass Index in 11-12-Year-Old Children.

Abstract

Objectives: Untreated dental caries is a very widespread childhood disease that can damage the quality of life (QoL), growth, and education, while increasing healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine whether untreated and current dental caries affect both QoL and growth and development.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 145 systemically healthy children aged 11-12 who visited the Pediatric Dentistry Department at Marmara University. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using height and weight and categorized as underweight, normal, or overweight. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) was evaluated using the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances(C-OIDP) scale. Caries severity was assessed with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS)-II system and classified as: no caries (ICDAS 0), initial (1-2), moderate (3-4), or extensive (5-6). Untreated caries were evaluated using the Pulpal involvement, Ulceration, Fistula, and Abscess (PUFA/pufa) index and grouped as PUFA/pufa=0 (none) or PUFA/pufa>0 (present).

Results: Of the children, 56.5% were female. The mean score of pufa and PUFA was 0.6 ± 1.2 and 0.1 ± 0.3, with a total C-OIDP score of 10.1 ± 12.3. The distribution of BMI by sex and age showed no significant differences (p=0.451 and p=0.129). Additionally, no significant relationship was found between BMI and clinical complications resulting from untreated caries (p=0.317) or caries severity (p=0.219).

Conclusions: This study underscores the role of oral health in children's well-being. Higher ICDAS-II scores were associated with lower OHRQoL, while caries-free children showed better outcomes, possibly due to greater awareness or psychosocial factors. Caries severity negatively affected emotional well-being. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments and early preventive care.