Association between Dentofacial Features and Bullying from Childhood to Adulthood: A Systematic Review - PubMed
Bullying occurs when an individual is repeatedly victimised by negative actions performed by peers. As oral features, like malocclusion and dental structural defects, can promote psychological distress, which is also found in those who are bullied, we aimed to study the association between...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Study Objective
The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the association between dentofacial features (like malocclusion and dental structural defects) and the experience of bullying from childhood into adulthood. The authors highlight how these orofacial anomalies may contribute to psychological distress, often seen in victims of bullying.
Methodology
- Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022331693)
- Databases Searched: PubMed, PubPsych, Web of Science, Cochrane Reviews, and grey literature.
- Date of Search: March 27, 2023
- Selection Criteria: Articles focusing on bullying in relation to dentofacial traits.
- Total Studies Included: 25
- Qualitative Studies: 4 (analyzed 632 child interviews, 8 parent interviews, 292 letters, 321 Twitter posts)
- Cross-Sectional Studies: 21 (covering 10,026 individuals aged 7–61)
- 88% of included studies found a positive correlation between malocclusion/dental abnormalities and bullying experiences.
- Psychological Effects: Structural dental anomalies were associated with lower self-confidence, which may heighten susceptibility to victimization.
- Demographics: Focus was especially placed on young adolescents, a group particularly vulnerable to peer influence and appearance-based judgment.
Quality Assessment
- Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Tools.
- Low Risk of Bias: 2 qualitative and 7 cross-sectional studies.
Conclusions
The authors conclude that severe malocclusion and dental anomalies are not just aesthetic issues but also psychological and social concerns. They suggest that these features should be medically addressed, not only for functional or cosmetic purposes, but to prevent bullying and related mental health consequences.
Significance
This review emphasizes:
- The social stigma associated with dentofacial irregularities.
- The need for interdisciplinary intervention, combining orthodontic treatment with mental health support.
- The importance of early diagnosis and treatment to potentially reduce the risk of long-term psychological damage from bullying.
