Impact of hypomineralised second primary molar on preschoolers' oral health-related quality of life-A hierarchical approach.

Background: Hypomineralised second primary molar (HSPM) is a developmental enamel defect associated with dental caries.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of HSPM on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschoolers through hierarchical analysis.

Design: This population-based cross-sectional study assessed 834 5-year-old preschoolers, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, using sociodemographic questionnaires and Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental examination was performed by two calibrated examiners (κ ≥ 0.80) for the diagnosis of HSPM (EAPD), dental caries (dmft and pufa indices), and malocclusion (Foster and Hamilton criteria). Analysis of the determinants of OHRQoL was stratified at three levels (P < .05).

Results: Severe HSPM was associated with OHRQoL in bivariate analysis (P < .05). In adjusted final multivariate analysis (model 1), the presence of dental caries with or without clinical consequences was associated with worse OHRQoL (P < .05). In model 2, after the removal of dental caries, preschoolers with severe HSPM had greater probability of having a negative impact on OHRQoL in the child impact section (RR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.26-3.65), family impact section (RR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.16-3.42), and total score (RR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.25-3.49) of the ECOHIS.

Conclusion: Severe HSPM had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of preschoolers and their families, but the presence of dental caries neutralised this impact.