IMPACT OF DENTAL CARIES ON ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG INDIAN ADOLESCENTS ? AN EXPLORATORY STUDY.

Dental caries is one of the most widely prevalent diseases afflicting populations the world over. Untreated dental caries can have a definite impact on mastication, nutrition, growth and development of individuals, particularly among adolescents. Few studies have examined impact of dental caries on Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in adolescents, especially in the Indian context. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of dental caries on OHRQoL among 12 to 15 years old school going children in Mangalore. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12 to 15 years old school going children in Mangalore. OHRQoL was assessed by using Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ). Participants were examined for dental caries by using WHO criteria for dental caries. Information regarding malocclusion and demographics were also collected. Dental caries was significantly associated with the overall OHRQoL scores (r=0.86 and p=0.03). Malocclusion also showed statistically significant association with OHRQoL subscale of oral symptoms score. However, there were no significantly significant associations between dental caries and other subscales of OHRQoL (p>0.05). Results indicate that dental caries might significantly affect the OHRQoL of children