Methods: A cross-sectional study using self-complete questionnaires was carried out to survey all schoolchildren attending the last year of government primary schools. Approval was granted by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religion. Cooperation was obtained from the education authority. The questionnaires were distributed by teachers for completion in the classroom.
Results: Of the 296 children in the school registers, 225 (76.0%) were present on the day data were collected. Usable questionnaires were returned by 187 children, representing a response rate of 83.1%. Oral pain in the previous four weeks, reported by 70 children (37.4%), was more likely to affect children living with one parent or other people (OR 3.0, 95% CI=1.2-7.4, p=0.013) and those who brushed less than twice a day (OR 2.8, 1.5-5.2, p=0.001). Impact on daily activities was reported by 64 children (91.4%). The most commonly stated impact was on eating (40.0%), cleaning teeth (25.7%) and sleeping (18.6%).
Conclusion: Oral pain prevalence was high in 12-year-old schoolchildren, is associated with family structure, and impacts substantially on daily activities. The dynamics of family life in which health behaviours that predispose to oral pain are practised need further exploration.