The Battered Child Syndrome

Oral and dental signs of child abuse and neglect

“…About a data of other non-fatal forms of violence, they come from other sources (legal and judicial records, population's data, service's reports, retrospective research) not always comparable, but anyway a description adequately reliable above all where at least a national record exists, capable of give an interpretation methodologically uniform (6). Several studies in the literature have shown that oral or facial trauma occurs in about 50% of physically abused children (7)(8)(9)(10). Thus Cameron et al, studying fatal cases, found that approximately half had facial injuries (8).…”

“…Several studies in the literature have shown that oral or facial trauma occurs in about 50% of physically abused children (7)(8)(9)(10). Thus Cameron et al, studying fatal cases, found that approximately half had facial injuries (8). Similarly, Becker et al reported oro-facial trauma in 49% of 260 documented cases of child abuse; 61% of these injuries were to the face, 33% head injuries and 6% were in the oral cavity (9).…”

Child protection: training and experiences of dental therapists

“…It is well recognised that many signs of physical abuse present in the orofacial region, [1][2][3][4][5] and dentists and other members of the dental team are therefore well placed to recognise them. 6 Indeed, they may be the initial professional to suspect a non-accidental injury.…”

Child abuse and dentistry: A study of knowledge and attitudes among dentists in Victoria, Australia

“…4 Numerous studies have shown that the head and orofacial region are common sites of trauma from child abuse. [5][6][7][8] This may be due to these areas being exposed and accessible and because the head is often considered representative of the whole being or self. 6 A ten year study of 29 fatal cases of child abuse found a high incidence of facial injuries, with laceration of the mucosa on the inner aspect of the upper lip near the fraenum and tearing of the lip from the gingivae occurring in nearly half the cases.…”