Má oclusão, qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal e traços de inteligência emocional em adolescentes: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial period for the formation of habits and behaviors that impact adult life. Malocclusion can significantly affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), influencing the functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial aspects of adolescents. This study aimed to assess the relationship between malocclusion, OHRQoL, and emotional intelligence traits in adolescents from public schools in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. The research included 277 randomly selected adolescents aged 11 to 14 years. Malocclusion was diagnosed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), while OHRQoL was evaluated through the Child Oral Health Impact Profile - Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF19). Emotional intelligence traits were measured using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire – Short Form (TEIQue-SF). The results indicated that malocclusion was present in 30% of the participants and was associated with lower OHRQoL and low levels of emotional intelligence. Among adolescents with malocclusion, 67.4% reported a negative impact on OHRQoL, and 54.2% showed low emotional intelligence traits. The findings reinforce the need for preventive and therapeutic strategies that consider not only the functional aspects of malocclusion but also its emotional and social impacts.