Traumatic dental injuries in primary dentition: epidemiological study among preschool children in South Brazil

To estimate the prevalence of traumatic injury in primary dentition among children aged 12-71 months old, as well as to evaluate the distribution of traumatic injuries, type of trauma and associated factors.

After the research project approval by the Ethics Research Committee, a cross-sectional study was carried out including 571 preschool children--both from public and private schools--in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Data were collected by means of anterior teeth examination, and by the administration of a structured questionnaire to parents. The classification proposed by Andreasen & Andreasen was used, and crown discoloration and fistula were added to this criterion.

The prevalence of dental trauma was 36.6% (95% CI 32.7-40.5), with no significant differences between boys and girls. Trauma were more frequent among older children (P = 0.001). No associations were found for maternal schooling, income and type of school. The most frequent trauma was enamel fracture, and the most affected tooth was number 61. A significant statistical association was observed between the presence of dental trauma during clinical examination and parental report of trauma occurrence. The percentage of parents who looked for dental treatment was higher among children from private schools (P = 0.001). The most frequent place of occurrence was home, and the most frequently reported etiology was child's own-height fall.

Dental trauma in primary teeth is characterized as an accident that occurs due to the children's development stage, even when they are cared for by mothers of higher schooling and income. Parents should search for assistance right after trauma occurrence to minimize sequelae.