Background

Having preschool children evaluate their dental pain can provide additional insight into the pain diagnosis and improve patient-centered care. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between self-reported dental pain by preschoolers and their parents' report (proxy measure).

Design

This cross-sectional study was conducted with children aged 4 to 6 years, and with one of their parents. Dental pain was reported using the Simplified Faces Pain Scale (S-FPS) and administered before the dental consultation. Dental pain was assessed using a yes/no question, and a three-face scale was used to determine pain severity. Kappa and weighted kappa tests were used to evaluate the agreement between the child's self-report and the father/mother's report.

Results

A total of 198 child-parent dyads participated. Current child dental pain was reported by 44.4% of the children and 36.9% of the parents. Severe pain was reported most frequently among children (17.1%) and parents (16.2%). Agreement on the severity of dental pain ranged from substantial (children aged 6 years and parents: weighted kappa 0.372) to moderate (4-year-olds: 0.412; 5-year-olds: 0.453).

Conclusion

Children and parents agreed on the child's dental pain. The use of the S-FPS among younger children appears valid and feasible for assessing dental pain.