Do the oral health-related quality of life and the magnitude of its association with malocclusion differ by developmental stages of schoolchildren?

INTRODUCTION: As schoolchildren go through multiple developmental periods, their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) level may change over time. It is important to understand the association between malocclusion and OHRQOL in treatment planning for schoolchildren. This study aimed to examine OHRQOL and its association with malocclusion among schoolchildren at different developmental stages. METHODS: Data from a representative sample of 2010 Korean schoolchildren aged 7-17 years were analyzed. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, and their orthodontic treatment needs were assessed by a dentist. OHRQOL was measured using the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP). Higher COHIP scores indicate better OHRQOL. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 11.9 +/- 2.5 years, and slightly more boys (53.0%) were in the sample. The total COHIP score (P <0.001) and 4 subscale scores (P <0.01) were lower in older age groups. Compared with those who needed orthodontic treatment, children with no and borderline orthodontic treatment needs were 1.9 times (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.4) and 1.5 times (OR, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.1) more likely to have a higher COHIP score, respectively. The degree of association varied across age groups: a larger effect was found in the oldest group (aged 15 years) (OR, 4.1) than in younger groups (ORs, 1.5-2.2). CONCLUSIONS: OHRQOL and the magnitude of its association with malocclusion varied by age among schoolchildren, particularly in functional and social-emotional well-being. Given the variation, schoolchildren's developmental stages should be considered in treatment planning.