Dental Discomfort Questionnaire: predicting toothache in preverbal children

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

In the present study the value of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire in predicting toothache in young children is
analysed.

Methods

The Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ-8; Cronbach's alpha 0.75) was completed by parents on behalf of
their children (N=99; mean age 47 months). Half of the children were referred to a special dental care centre and the other half were
controls from a day care centre.

Results

The behaviours from the DDQ-8 appeared to be more often present in those children with
decayed teeth and toothache than in those without decayed teeth or toothache. A score of 3 or higher on the DDQ-8 seemed the best
cut-off point to predict toothache in children. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the DDQ-8 has predictive
value for toothache. STATISTICS: The validity of the DDQ-8 was expressed as sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value and
negative predictive value. The DDQ's ability to discriminate between patients with and without toothache was estimated by the area
under the ROC area of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The DDQ-8 could be helpful for parents, non-dental healthcare workers and
researchers in predicting the existence of toothache in preverbal children.

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