Early childhood caries remains a global public health challenge with implications extending beyond oral health. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the multifaceted impact of different dental statuses on the physical development, psychological well-being, and social adaptation of preschool and early school-aged children. A total of 300 children (aged 4-7) were divided into three groups: treated caries (n=120), caries-free controls (n=100), and active untreated caries (n=80). All participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including dental examination (dmft, OHI-S), anthropometric measurements, and psycho-pedagogical assessment using validated questionnaires (SDQ, COHIP). Results demonstrated a clear gradient of adverse outcomes. Children with active caries showed significantly higher dmft (7.8 ± 2.3) and OHI-S (3.2 ± 0.7) indices. This group had a fivefold higher prevalence of underweight (42.5% vs. 8.0% in controls), increased ARVI incidence (5.8 ± 1.7 episodes/year), and substantially impaired psycho-social metrics, including a total SDQ difficulties score of 18.4 ± 4.2 points and a low COHIP score of 41.6 ± 9.8 points. 48.8% of them performed poorly academically. Dmft and SDQ scores showed strong positive associations (r=0.68), while anthropometric and academic markers showed negative correlations. Children with treated dental caries showed persistent effects by occupying an intermediate position. The study concludes that untreated early childhood caries acts as a systemic stressor, detrimentally affecting a child's physical growth, immune competence, mental health, and social integration. The findings advocate for a paradigm shift, positioning pediatric dental care as a crucial, interdisciplinary intervention essential for safeguarding holistic child development and preventing long-term socio-educational disadvantages.
