Relationship between quality of life and oral health in 18-45 year-old subjects referring to Khorasgan School of Dentistry in 2010-2011

AbstractIntroduction: Oral health-related quality of life evaluates the effect of orodental conditions on quality of daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between quality of life and oral health in 18‒45 year-old men and women referring to Khorasgan School of Dentistry in 2010-2011.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study 270 subjects, 18-45 years of age, referring to Khorasgan School of Dentistry were randomly selected with equal numbers of males and females. All the subjects were examined clinically to determine DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth). Then the subjects completed OHIP (Oral Health Impact Profile), OIDP (Oral Impact on Daily Performance) and OHB (Oral Hygiene Behavior) questionnaires. Data was analyzed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient and t-test using SPSS 18 (α = 0.05).Results: The means of OHIP scores were 33.3 and 34.0 in males and females, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p value = 0.65). OHIP scores in relation to performance management were significantly higher in males compared to females (p value = 0.03). The mean OHIP score in relation to emotional/mental dissatisfaction was significantly higher in females compared to males. There was a direct and significant relationship between all the parameters of OHIP questionnaire (p value = 0.04). OIDP scores were significantly higher in females compared to males (p value = 0.03). OHB scores did not exhibit significant differences between males and females (p value = 0.32).Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that as the OHB scores increase and DMFT scores decrease, OHIB scores will decrease and the individual will have a better oral health-related quality of life; therefore, everyday life will be less affected by orodental problems. Key words: Dental caries, Dentistry, Health, Quality of life