Evaluation of Change in Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety in Young Children Following Full-mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

AIM: To evaluate the change in quality of life, dental fear, and dental anxiety in young children following full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for early childhood caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 200 children who were diagnosed with early childhood caries requiring full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental fear was evaluated using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Facial Image Scale. Scores were taken on the day of intervention, and after 14 days when the child reported for posttreatment follow-up. RESULTS: All 200 participants returned for a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. The child impact section was reduced from 15.7 ± 4.1 to 7.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. The family impact section was reduced from 9.6 ± 2.7 to 3.5 ± 2.6 after treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen in both sections when pre-and posttreatment values were compared (p < 0.001). The total ECOHIS showed statistically significant improvement as the pretreatment score of 21.6 ± 9.5 reduced to 11.2 ± 4.2 showing 51.9% improvement in OHRQoL after full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was done (p < 0.001). Dental fear and anxiety among the participants showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment was done and most participants were found to be less fearful of doctors, dentists, and injections after treatment. CONCLUSION: Full-mouth rehabilitation was found to be a reliable treatment modality to improve the OHRQoL of children suffering from early childhood caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Significant improvement was seen in the OHRQoL within 2 weeks after treatment and most participants were found to be less anxious and fearful toward dentists and dental treatment. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for early childhood caries and a productive treatment technique to reduce dental fear and anxiety.

Parental and Child Outlook on the Impact of ECC on Oral Health-related Quality of Life: A Prospective Interventional Study.

AIM: To evaluate the perspectives of parents and children on the impact of early childhood caries (ECC) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHQoF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 400 children aged 3-5 years were recruited for the study. About 200 children who were caries-free were the controls for the study. The remaining 200 consisted of children who were diagnosed with ECC and required dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Oral health-related quality of life was recorded at baseline and 6 months after intervention using the Michigan oral health-related quality of life scale. Data were analyzed and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. RESULTS: Children with ECC were found to have a significantly lower oral health-related quality of life compared with caries-free children, and a statistically significant difference was seen between both groups. The main concern for both parents and children at baseline was pain at the first visit when the evaluation was done. After the intervention, a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life was seen. CONCLUSION: Early childhood caries was found to have detrimental effects on the oral health-related quality of life. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was found to bring a significant improvement in the oral health-related quality of life. The perspectives of both parents and children were found to be similar. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early childhood caries has an impact on the lives of children and their parents. Oral health-related quality of life was low with children suffering from ECC. Full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia can significantly improve the OHRQoL of children. Continuous monitoring of the children with regular follow-ups and parental education should be enforced to prevent the relapse of ECC.