Influence of Unhealthy Diet and Sedentary Behavior on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of 12-Year-Old Adolescents

This study analyzed the factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) of 12-year-old adolescents and their relationship with unhealthy eating and sedentary behavior. Data were collected from 615 adolescents from the five largest cities in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The theoretical framework of the social determinants of oral health guided all analyses and the measurement instrument was OIDP (impact of oral health on daily performance). Multilevel logistic and negative binomial regressions were performed to test the association of OHRQOL with unhealthy eating, sedentary behavior, sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours. Considering the sample weights, 43% of the adolescents reported some impact on OHRQOL. In the adjusted models, higher consumption of unhealthy foods (moderate and high) was associated with a prevalence of impact on OHRQOL [OR = 3.59 (95%CI 1.99; 6.46)] and higher OHRQOL severity [RR = 2.05 (95%CI 1.43; 2.94)] compared to their counterparts. Those who had sedentary behaviour were associated with the prevalence of impact on OHRQOL [OR = 1.52 (95%CI 1.22; 1.89)] and greater severity [RR = 1.21 (95%CI 1.07; 1.37)] compared to those who did not have sedentary behaviour. Unhealthy food consumption and sedentary behavior were associated with OHRQOL. Intersectoral health public policies for healthy eating and for reducing sedentary behavior on the internet and electronic games can help in the quality of life of adolescents.