Unele aspecte medico-sociale caracteristice copiilor cu afecţiuni ale cavităţii bucale din Republica Moldova

Abstract

Background: The increase of frequency of the dental-maxillary anomalies has an impact both at personal and at social level. The public health problem implies the determination of the level of extension of the dental-maxillary anomalies within the population, determining the treatment objectives form case to case. The aim of this study was to assess some medical-social aspects in children with diseases of the oral cavity in order to emphasize some peculiarities depending on the territorial distribution in the Republic of Moldova. Material and methods: The results of the descriptive study are presented in this article, according to the scope of the selective sample. As research tool, a specially developed questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consists of two parts: 1- general part, and 2- special part. A total of 1710 questionnaires were collected, where the research unit was formed of children of school age. Results: The analysis of some medical-social aspects of the families from where the respondents come allowed to obtain that: 68.9 ± 1.12% of children live in complete families, 18.6 ± 0.94% live in incomplete families, and 12.5 ± 0.79% live with their grandparents. As a result of examination of the condition of teeth and oral cavity, dental position problems were identified in 38.2% cases, followed by space deficit on the dental arch 31%, sensitive teeth 29.9%, gingival pain 22.1%, dental pain 24.6%, showing the need for prevention in orthodontics from the early childhood period. The oral cavity diseases have a negative impact on the daily activities in children; the highest frequency was obtained for children socialization – 43.5%, alimentation 36.6% and 35.8% – smiling. It is alarming the fact that the oral cavity diseases also have a negative impact on the psycho-emotional status of children 22.3% of cases. Conclusions: Various oral cavity diseases have a negative impact both on the oral health and on the psycho-emotional status of the children of school age.