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Assessment of the Impact of Severe Early Childhood Caries on the Quality of Life of Preschool Children and their Parents
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
2Private Practice, Casablanca, Morocco
Journal of Pediatric Dentistry 2020; 6(1): 20-25 DOI: 10.14744/JPD.2020.15_20
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Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of the early childhood caries (S-ECC) and its impact on preschool children’s life (aged 4-6), as well as on their parents, in one of the most popular prefectures in Casablanca, Morocco.
Materials and Methods: Parents of 546 children attending 11 randomly selected preschools (7 private and 4 public institutions) were invited to complete 13 items of an oral health questionnaire and had their children undergo a dental examination. The quality of life was evaluated using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS).
Statistical analysis: The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). To find the comparison between groups, Chi-square test was used.
Results: The prevalence of the ECC and the S-ECC were 74.2% and 47.3% respectively. The negative effect of S-ECC on children’s
quality of life has many aspects: 59.3% of them have experienced tooth pain, 41.5% have reported eating difficulties, and 41.3% have had drinking difficulties. Moreover, 40% of parents expressed feelings of guilt and 10.6% had to take time off work due to their children’s oral health status. On another note, the financial impact of the S-ECC was also significant.
Conclusion: The S-ECC negatively impacts the life quality of children aged between 4 and 6 years old in addition to their parents’. This suggests a need for further strategic planning and preventive program adapted to such a public health problem.