Caries and quality of life in portuguese adolescents : impact of diet and behavioural risk factors

Background The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and behavioural risk factors on caries appearance, and on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Portuguese adolescents. Material and methods An epidemiological study conducted on 782 adolescents between 11-17 years, from randomly selected public schools of the 3rd cycle of basic education. All participants were asked for self-perceived general status health, about tooth-brushing habits and about the using of toothpaste with fluoride and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth) was evaluated according to WHO criteria. To evaluate the OHRQoL, the 49-items Oral Health Impact…