Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting respiratory function, with potential implications for oral health. However, little is known about oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), dental erosion, and caries statuses in children with PCD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the OHRQoL, dental erosion, and caries statuses in children with PCD compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

The study sample included 39 children with PCD aged 6-17 years and 40 healthy peers. Parents and patients completed a survey comprising demographic characteristics and the pediatric oral health-related quality of life (POQL) instrument. Clinical dental examinations were performed to assess dental erosion using the basic erosive wear examination index, while decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary (dft) and permanent dentition (DMFT) were recorded according to WHO criteria. Group differences were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests with a significance level set at 0.05.

RESULTS

Children with PCD had a significantly higher prevalence of dental erosion compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001). The two groups had no statistically significant difference in DMFT/dft scores (p > 0.05). In terms of OHRQoL, children with PCD reported significantly lower POQL scores than healthy controls for all domains (role function, social function, emotional function) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Despite higher levels of dental erosion, children with PCD reported better OHRQoL than healthy controls, suggesting the need for targeted dental care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06618209.