Abstract

ASSOCIATION OF RISK FACTORS WITH TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES TO PERMANENT ANTERIOR TEETH IN YOUNG CHILDREN: AN EPIDEMOLOGICAL STUDY

Dr. Parul Singh and Dr. Amit Kumar Khajuria*

ABSTRACT

Aim: Anterior teeth trauma is a commonly encountered problem, which is an acute condition that requires emergency attention. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factor associated with anterior teeth traumatic injuries in young children. Material and methods: An epidemiological survey of 2000 school children aged eight to thirteen year (8-13 yrs) of both genders in private and public schools including both peri-urban and urban area was carried out in order to obtain the data regarding injuries to anterior teeth of permanent dentition. All children completed a questionnaire related to history of trauma to their anterior teeth after which they were examined for lip competence, Angle’s molar relationship amount of overjet and nature of trauma sustained. Results: The overall prevalence of dental injuries to anterior teeth was found to be 6.8%. The dental injuries to anterior teeth in male were more common than female, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Falls and sports were the most common causes of trauma in the present study. Overjet, molar relation, socioeconomic status, school type and lip coverage were found to be common risk factors associated with dental injuries. Conclusion: Traumatic dental injuries among children exhibit complex interaction between the victims’ oral conditions and their behavior. Hence, it is of utmost importance to educate children and should be supervised while they are playing to minimize the rate at which they fall and sustain dental injuries.

Keywords: Dental, Injury, Survey.