Introduction

Evidence regarding the impact of early loss of primary molars (ELPM) on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is lacking. The aim of the present study was evaluating the impact of ELPM on OHRQoL of Brazilian schoolchildren aged 6-10 years.

Methods

This observational prospective cohort study was conducted with 163 schoolchildren, assigned in the primary tooth loss group (PTLG), in which all tooth loss was caused by carious lesions, and in a control group without tooth loss (CG). Two calibrated examiners conducted the clinical oral assessments to determine caries experience and tooth loss. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perception Questionnaire 8-10 years (CPQ8-10) instrument administered at baseline and at 10-12 months of follow-up.

Results

Children in PTLG exhibited significantly more negative impact on OHRQoL at baseline (p <0.01) than CG, and also after the follow-up period (p <0.01). It was also possible to observe a significant reduction in the negative impact on OHRQoL in both CG and PTLG in the longitudinal analysis (p <0.01). Nevertheless, there was an even more substantial reduction in the negative impact on OHRQoL in children in PTLG.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that early tooth loss is associated with negative impact on OHRQoL. Moreover, it indicates that access to dental treatment can have a positive impact on the OHRQoL of children with dental caries and ELPM.