Traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian preschool children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of traumatic injuries to primary anterior teeth in children from zero to 6 years old, all attendees in 28 public nursery schools in Canoas (Brazil). A total of 1545 boys and girls participated in the study. The children were clinically examined for signs of trauma according to Andreasen's classification. Traumatic injuries were identified in 35.5% of children. The largest percentage of injuries was demonstrated by 3-4-year-old child, with no significant difference between boys and girls. The maxillary central incisor was the most vulnerable to injury, without differences between the right and the left side. Single tooth injury was predominant in all age groups. Crown fractures represented 83% of all traumatic injuries. Our findings emphasize the importance of encouraging parents to visit the dentist with their child at an early stage. Furthermore, parents and educators should be advised about prevention of traumatic injuries and actions to be taken in case of an accident.

Socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian preschool children

“…5,16 As demonstrated by other studies, the majority of observations were of a single injured tooth, [5][6]8,16 and the maxillary central incisors were the most frequently affected. [5][6][7][8]16 The upper central incisors are generally more proclined than the lower central ones and tend to be the first to receive a direct blow producing a fracture. 6 Moreover, results from previous studies have demonstrated that the treatment of TDI tends to be neglected.…”

“…5,8,14,16 Among these studies, careful attention should be paid to the prevalence of TDI in primary teeth, given the differences in the data collection and sampling methods and in the locations where the studies were conducted. 5,16 As demonstrated by other studies, the majority of observations were of a single injured tooth, [5][6]8,16 and the maxillary central incisors were the most frequently affected. [5][6][7][8]16 The upper central incisors are generally more proclined than the lower central ones and tend to be the first to receive a direct blow producing a fracture.…”

“…[5][6]8,14,16 One may argue that minor damage does not need treatment, but the need for treatment was not assessed in this study. However, previous studies with permanent teeth showed that a large proportion of enamel and dentine fractures do need treatment.…”

“…[5][6][7]14,16 It has been stated that more TDIs are recorded in older children due to their cumulative effects. 6 On the other hand, it is well documented that trauma occurs as a result of the psychomotor underdevelopment and poor motor skills of children.…”

Predominant Causes and Types of Orofacial Injury in Children Attending Emergency Department

“…[1,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21] In fact, these occurred commonly as children became ambulatory but had not yet developed mature motor skills. [22] The findings of this study show a higher percentage of younger children, especially at the preschool age, with a history of orofacial trauma.…”