Poor Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent chronic disorders in children.  Objectives: ADHD is associated with impaired functioning in the social, educational and non-educational areas. This study evaluated the Quality of Life (QoL) related to oral health in ADHD children. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 70 children aged 8-10 years with ADHD disorder were comparatively reviewed with 70 healthy counterparts. The QoL associated with oral health was studied using the Child Perception Questionnaire. The number of decayed (D), missing (M), or filled (F) teeth (T), or Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were determined in both groups by a dentist (deciduous [dmft] and permanent [DMFT]). The obtained results were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The mean “dmft” and “DMFT” scores in ADHD children were greater than those of the controls (P<0.05). The QoL Mean±SD score in ADHD children was greater (worse) than that of the control group (49.7±6.1 vs. 11.50±0.88) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Children with ADHD are more vulnerable to dental defects and have lower oral health-related QoL; therefore, it is necessary to conduct further interventions in this regard, in addition to the conventional treatment interventions.

Poor Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Keywords:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , Quality of Life , DMF index