Impact of malocclusion on daily events among Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

The general aim of the current thesis was to investigate the association between oral health and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Brazilian adolescents. Specific objectives of our study were: 1) to demonstrate the characteristics of malocclusion among Brazilian adolescents; 2) to evaluate the role of malocclusion on OHRQoL; and 4) to assess whether the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL among adolescents varied based on the severity levels of malocclusion. Secondary analysis was performed on the data of the Pelotas 2004 Birth Cohort Study conducted with adolescents in the urban city of Pelotas, Brazil in 2004. Oral health and general health are very closely related and are considered to be important health problems among individuals due to their expense associated with treatment, prevalence rate and impact level among individuals and adolescents. This investigation can even have key suggestions for general and oral health prevention strategies relevant to the present knowledge on risk factors for these conditions. Assessment of the current impacts of Oral health conditions on quality of life might even develop understanding of the importance of dental conditions. Findings presented in this thesis indicate that a negative association between oral conditions and OHRQoL exists. Adolescents with severe malocclusion identified with a DAI score greater than 36, showed a negative impact on OHRQoL. Individuals with the presence of dental plaque were seen suffering with severe malocclusion, which is in turn was negatively associated with OHRQoL. The evidence provided by the current thesis may not only contribute primarily to the scientific literature but may also furnish researchers and epidemiologists with information vital for orthodontic treatment and be useful to identify community needs and help in the implementation of treatment plans.