THE IMPACT OF TOOTHACHE AND DENTAL PROBLEMS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR OF SCHOOLCHILDREN: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL ASPECTS

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of toothache and dental problems on the academic performance and behavior of schoolchildren, and to evaluate the role of psychological factors, such as anxiety and behavioral problems, in the mechanisms of influence. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit students aged 9–14 from 6 schools. The following measures were measured: toothache intensity on a 0–10 scale, dental health (DMFT index), academic performance, and behavior (strengths and difficulties scale). Anxiety and stress were additionally assessed using short scales (approximately as indicators of psycho-emotional state). The analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a hierarchical regression model. The results showed that more severe toothache and a higher DMFT were associated with lower academic performance and a greater number of behavioral problems. The contribution of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire to explaining the variance in academic performance was the greatest, partially explaining the influence of pain and dental problems through psychological disturbances. Practical implications: Early identification of dental problems in schools and integration of dental and psychological support are needed to reduce the impact of pain on learning.