Authors: Qurrat-ul-Ain Fatima , Muhammed Mujtaba , Wali Dad , Waqas Latif

Abstract

Background and Objective: The congenital absence of one or more deciduous or permanent teeth is called hypodontia. It is the most common congenital dental anomaly. Hypodontia could be caused by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the current study was to find out the impact of hypodontia on the emotional well-being and quality of life of children.
Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was carried outon 40 patients suffering from hypodontia and 40 healthy controls in the outpatient department of Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan. Patients and healthy controls were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique without any gender discrimination. Age of the selected patients and controls was 11-14 years. Oral health was checked by using dental examination instruments. Urdu translated proformas were used for better understanding of children.
Results: Mean age of the patients suffering from hypodontia was 11.8 (± 0.90) years and mean age of healthy controls was 11.9 (± 0.98). Family history was positive in 6 (15%) patients suffering from hypodontia and 2 (5%) in healthy controls. Out of 40 patients, about 80% felt irritated, 82.5% felt shy, 82.5% children were worried that what other people think about them, 85% were worried that they were not good looking and 80% were upset.
Conclusion: Hypodontia has substantial impact on the emotional well-being and quality of life of the children. Patients were emotionally disturbed and had a poor quality of life.

Keywords: Hypodontia, Emotional well-being, Quality of life.