Caries progression as a risk factor for increase in the negative impact on OHRQOL—a longitudinal study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between caries lesions progression and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Brazilian preschools, after 2 years. Materials and methods: At baseline, 163 children (3–4 years old) enrolled in 12 public primary care services in Porto Alegre/RS-Brazil were evaluated. After 2 years, 119 children were re-evaluated. Calibrated examiners employing the ICDAS criteria conducted clinical examinations. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale were applied to the parents of the children at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach based in a conceptual framework testing by Poisson regression. Results: The number of surfaces that progressed from baseline to 2-year follow-up was associated with an increased negative impact on OHRQoL. Conclusions: Caries progression increased the negative impact on OHRQoL. Clinical relevance: The progression of caries lesions could negative impact on OHRQoL in Brazilian preschoolers.