Measuring the impact of oral health problems on children's quality of life: conceptual and methodological issues

Children are subject to oral health problems that can impact their own quality of life and that of their families. The need for measurements to assess the impact of oral health on children's quality of life has been emphasized, and questionnaires have been developed or adapted to this specific group. The aim of this study was to describe such instruments (identified in the literature) and discuss their inherent difficulties. Among such instruments, we highlight the Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire, for children aged 6-7, 8-10, and 11-14, the Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances, for children aged 11-12, and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale for children aged 2-5. Although progress was observed in this area, more research is needed to develop measurements that apply to children in their dynamic health/disease process, encompassing their psychosocial, family, and social context. The use of such instruments should be encouraged in clinical practice and research.