Dental caries, gingivitis and oral health-related quality of life in 12-year-old children.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and gingivitis are common oral diseases in children, influenced by multiple factors. The symptoms they cause also affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study investigated the prevalence of oral diseases among 12-year-olds in Shanghai, analyzed their relationship with demographic factors and oral hygiene habits, and explored their impacts on OHRQoL. METHODS: This study included a total of 1591 12-year-old schoolchildren in Shanghai. Each student underwent an oral examination to collect data on caries, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus, and completed a questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habits and OHRQoL. The questionnaire included questions about oral cleaning habits and dietary habits. The Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) was used to assess the OHRQoL of the children. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the prevalence of oral diseases and their influencing factors, as well as the differences in oral hygiene habits among the population. Non-parametric tests were employed to compare the impacts of oral diseases on OHRQoL. RESULTS: The caries rate is 26.7%, higher in girls than in boys. The prevalence of gingival bleeding is 39.3%, higher in boys. The prevalence of dental calculus is 30.7%, with no significant difference between genders. Caries are influenced by gender and the consumption of sweet snacks, with girls consuming more sweet snacks. The educational level of parents and oral hygiene habits affect the prevalence of gingivitis. Children whose parents have a higher educational level have better oral hygiene habits and consume fewer sugary drinks. Dental caries impact OHRQoL in terms of oral health and socio-emotional well-being, while gingivitis does not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of oral diseases shows significant differences between genders and is significantly related to the educational level of parents. Gender and parental education level can directly influence oral health or indirectly affect it through oral hygiene habits. Dental caries have a significant impact on oral health-related quality of life.