Impact of dental caries on the quality of life of preschool children: a cross-sectional study within a birth cohort

Dental caries were associated with lower OHRQoL of preschool children and their families. These findings emphasize the need for early detection, preventive strategies, and targeted oral health education, especially among low-income households. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size, particularly within the moderate-income subgroup. Enhancement of public health initiatives and considering oral health in early childhood care programs may help reduce the burden of ECC and improve quality of life in this vulnerable population.