Does Oral Health Have an Impact on Self Perceptions, Parental Ratings and Photographic Assessments of a Child’s Smile?

Abstract

AIM: To determine whether there is a relationship between the oral health of a child and evaluation of

the child’s smile by self-perception, their parents perception and through measurements by photographic

assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Cross sectional study was conducted among 100 children to determine

their oral health status. The children and parents were given a questionnaire to assess the child’s self

perception of their smile, the parents also responded to questions directed at evaluating the smile of their

children. Then the photographs of children were taken at 2 occasions one when they were at rest position

and the other photograph was taken when the child was smiling.

RESULTS: The child’s self-evaluation correlated significantly with the photographic assessment of the

smile and the number of positive responses by the parents. There were significant relationships between oral

health indicators and the overall smile evaluation scores. The children with less decayed teeth showed more

teeth while smiling and received more positive responses by the parents than children with decay.

CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral health is related to the child’s smiling patterns and the way others perceive

their smile. Poor oral health may significantly impair a child’s smile and may impact the child’s social

interactions, confidence level and the way they feel about themselves