Oral Health Related Quality of Life

Oral Health Related Quality of Life

Finding value in life with consideration of health obstacles can be challenging.  Everyone has some form of measurement for determining the value of life experiences.  Oral health is one of those experiences.  Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) can easily be taken for granted by those that have good conditions.  While on the other hand, it can be a constant reminder of struggle for those that have bad conditions. 

OHRQoL is defined as a multidimensional concept that includes a subjective evaluation of one’s oral health, functional and emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction of care, and sense of self (Sischo & Broder, 2011).  Individual interpretation and understanding about the impact of their oral health can delay necessary follow-up and result in additional chronic conditions.  It is not unusual for one to assume that lack of care is acceptable, especially if it is the norm for the others around them.  There is the common expression of “when we know better, we do better”.  However, that is making a big assumption that people are fully aware of what to expect in order to be fully satisfied.

Discovering ways to cope and handle painful, stressful situations regarding poor oral health are common for many.  Becoming dependent on alcohol and medications are often more reasonable cost choices than overall care for the oral condition. Lack of financial support and smoking were found to negatively impact the level of OHRQoL. While the lack of social support and usage of alcohol had little impact (Maida, Marcus, Spolsky, Wang, & Liu, 2013).

OHRQoL is a complicated process impacted by various factors.  The overall value is depending upon the factors graded level of influence. Things to be considered are:

·         What oral health issues do I have?

·         How does it make one feel socially and emotionally?

·         What daily functions are affected? 

·         Is there satisfaction with the treatment expected? 

·         What type of feedback do I receive in different environments, such as school, home, or work?

 

The quality of life is something everyone values differently.  Understanding ways to improve the overall outcome in regards to oral health can be achieved.  In order to do so, one must become aware of options and opportunities that may not have been available previously.  Oral health plays such a major role in the well-being of the person as a whole.  Ultimately that helps to determine the true quality of life one lives. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011, July 29). CDC - Chronic Disease - Oral Health - At A Glance. Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/doh.htm

Maida, C., Marcus, M., Spolsky, V., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2013). Socio-behavioral predictors of self-reported oral health-related quality of life. Quality Of Life Research, 22(3), 559-566. doi:10.1007/s11136-012-0173-z

Sischo, L., & Broder, H. L. (2011). Oral Health-related Quality of Life: What, Why, How, and Future Implications. Journal of Dental Research, 90(11), 1264–1270. doi:10.1177/0022034511399918