Evolução da produção científica sobre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em crianças e adolescentes: uma análise bibliométrica

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important patient-centered outcome that assesses the impact of oral conditions on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Over the past decades, interest in this topic has increased considerably, following the incorporation of subjective outcome measures into dental research and clinical practice. Objective: To analyze the evolution of the scientific literature on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents through a bibliometric analysis. Methods: A bibliometric study was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The search strategy included descriptors related to oral health-related quality of life and the pediatric population. Original articles and review papers published between 2009 and 2026 were included. Bibliometric analyses were performed using the Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny package in R, including scientific performance indicators, annual scientific production, authors, institutions, countries, journals, most cited documents, international collaboration, and conceptual structure of the literature. Results: A total of 50 documents published in 38 scientific journals were identified, with an annual growth rate of 9.93%. Scientific production increased progressively, particularly after 2018, reaching its highest output in 2022. Saudi Arabia was the most productive country, whereas the United States achieved the greatest scientific impact. The main research themes focused on oral health- related quality of life, children, dental caries, malocclusion, instrument validity, and rehabilitation, highlighting the consolidation of OHRQoL as an essential outcome in pediatric dentistry. Conclusion: The scientific literature demonstrates continuous growth and increasing internationalization of research on OHRQoL in children and adolescents, establishing this field as a strategic area for assessing the impact of oral conditions and dental care from the patient's perspective.