Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial factors related to oral health in adolescents: A cohort study

Brondani, Bruna; Knorst, Jessica Klöckner; Tomazoni, Fernanda; Cósta, Marina Dutra; Vargas, Andressa Weber; Noronha, Thaís Gioda; Mendes, Fausto Medeiros; Ardenghi, Thiago Machado

BACKGROUND: The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on behavioural and psychosocial aspects related to oral health is unknown. AIM: This study evaluated the psychosocial and behavioural changes related to oral health in adolescents immediately before and during the pandemic period of COVID‐19, enabling a longitudinal assessment of the perceived changes. DESIGN: This cohort study evaluated 290 adolescents from November 2019 to February 2020 (T1—before the pandemic in Brazil) and from June to July 2020 (T2) in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables were measured before and during the pandemic. Issues related to social distancing and job loss were also collected. The differences between the variables in T1 and T2, as well as the effect of social distancing, were assessed using a multilevel‐adjusted logistic regression model for repeated measures. RESULTS: A total of 207 adolescents were re‐evaluated at T2 (a response rate of 71.3%). During the pandemic, the frequency of toothbrushing, the use of dental services, and the self‐perceived need for dental treatment significantly decreased. Sugar consumption, bruxism, and quality of sleep did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Behavioural and psychosocial factors showed significant changes due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in adolescents.