Abstract
Bullying is defined as the aggressive behavior or intentional harm to which an individual is repeatedly subjected in a relationship characterized by instability, usually triggered by social, religious, and physical characteristics that distinguish the victim from other members of the group. Deviation from normal dentofacial aesthetics leads to increased incidences of bullying in children and teenagers with a reported worldwide prevalence of 5% to 58%, causing both physiological and psychological harm with both long-term and short-term effects, affecting an individual's psychosocial status and causing social disadvantage. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the effect of dentofacial deviations on bullying and quality of line in view of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) matrix and highlight the importance of informing the public via public health policies, anti-bullying policies in schools, and dental professionals as they are likely to have bullied patients among their clients.
TopIntroduction
Bullying is defined as intentional harm to which an individual is repeatedly exposed in a relationship characterized by the practice of aggressive behavior or imbalance (Olweus, 1994). Bullying can be in form of aggression that cause direct (hitting, kicking, insults and threats) or indirect (gossip, spreading rumors and social exclusion) harm (Boulton & Underwood, 1992; Solberg et. al., 2007; Nansel et. al., 2004; van der Wal et. al. 2003). It has been observed for a long time and its prevalence varies depending on the location and age, and it is stated that it has become a global concern at a rate of occurence as high as 88% (Carney & Merrel, 2001; Chikaodi et. al., 2017; Ometeso, 2010).
Prominent physical characteristics and aesthetical concerns in society are observed more intensively in both childhood and adolescence (Scheffel, 2014). The factors that trigger bullying are usually social, religious, and physical characteristics that distinguish the victim from other members of the group (Malta et. al., 2014). The most commonly observed physical characteristics for nicknames are related to weight, height and facial appearance (Kolawole et. al., 2009). In view of which, dentofacial features are associated with increased incidents of bullying in children and adolescents (Baldo Moraes et. al., 2021). Deviation of normal dentofacial aesthetics can affect the individual's psychosocial status and cause social disadvantage (Shaw et. al., 1980). Since the dentofacial region contributes significantly to the overall facial appearance and a harmonious smile plays an important role in conforming to the normative standards; the existence of untreated dental caries, bleeding gingiva, misaligned teeth and/or malocclusion or lack of alignment between the maxillary bones and mandible could lead to one being bullied (Barasuol et. al., 2017; Baldo Moraes et. al., 2021; Shaw, 1981; Shaw et. al., 1980). Severe facial disfigurement evokes feelings of sympathy and compassion, but lighter disfigurements result in ridicule; creating greater psychological distress in individuals. Individuals with high facial attractiveness receive a more positive reaction from society than those with a low level of facial attractiveness. In addition, the importance of having a good dentofacial appearance is recognized as an important trait that affects friendships, career advancement, and flirting (Macgregor, 1970). Although the relationship between malocclusion and psychosocial well-being is complex, there is a clear connection between the presence of malocclusion, bullying, self-esteem and quality of life in view of oral health. Certain dental features that increase the risk of ridicule, which disrupts a normal psychological development, including dento-alveolar trauma, cleft palate or lip, maxillary crowding, increased overjet and deep overbite have been identified (Agou et. al., 2008; Fekkes et. al., 2005; Kim et. al., 2004; Lyznicki et. al., 2004; Solberg & Olweus, 2003; Thomson et. al., 2001).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Quality of Life: Dentofacial characteristics and various oral health-related treatments greatly affect the quality of life of bullied children.
Dentofacial Features: Dentofacial features are associated with increased incidents of bullying in children and adolescents.
Oral Health: In terms of oral health, there is a clear link between the presence of malocclusion, bullying, self-esteem and quality of life.
Bullying: Bullying is defined as intentional harm to which an individual is repeatedly exposed in a relationship characterized by the practice of aggressive behavior or imbalance.