Determination of dental caries, molar–incisor hypomineralization, and oral health‐related quality of life in schoolchildren: A structural equation modeling approach.

Background: Some oral conditions can have psychosocial consequences that affect children's daily life and well‐being. Aim: To create a structural model for the determination of dental caries, molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and the impact of these conditions and socioeconomic status on schoolchildren's oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Design: A representative cross‐sectional study was conducted in Lavras, Brazil, with 1181 female and male schoolchildren 8–9 years of age. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the CPQ8‐10. Clinical examinations were performed by a calibrated dentist for the diagnosis of dental caries (WHO) and MIH (EAPD). Parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing the child's medical history and socioeconomic status. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The model revealed that greater MIH severity (β =.874; p <.001) and worse socioeconomic status (β = −.060; p =.001) were associated with a greater number of teeth with caries experience. The higher the number of teeth with caries experience (β =.160; p =.007) and worse socioeconomic status (β = −.164; p <.001), the greater the negative impact on OHRQoL. Conclusion: The model created showed that dental caries and socioeconomic status had a direct negative impact on the OHRQoL of schoolchildren and MIH had an indirect impact mediated by the occurrence of caries experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]