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Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in preschool children in Kuwait - a screening study
Abdulaziz A Hasan1, Muawia A Qudeimat, Lars Andersson
1Department of Developmental and Preventive Sciences, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait. aahasan@hsc.edu.kw
Insights
Dental trauma affects 11.2% of preschool children in Kuwait, with falls at home being the most common cause. Prevention campaigns are recommended to reduce the incidence of primary tooth injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Trauma Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental trauma in preschool children is a significant concern globally.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of dental trauma in Kuwaiti preschoolers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, causes, classification, affected teeth, location, and treatment of dental trauma in Kuwaiti preschool children.
- This is the first study of its kind in Kuwait.
Main Methods:
- A clinical examination of 500 preschool children was conducted across all Kuwait governorates.
- Parental interviews and a prevalidated questionnaire gathered demographic data and trauma history.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of dental trauma was 11.2% (56 children, 68 teeth).
- Falls at home were the primary cause (87.5%), affecting maxillary primary incisors most frequently.
- Enamel fractures and luxations were common, with 33.8% of traumatized teeth receiving no care.
Conclusions:
- Despite a relatively low prevalence, dental trauma in Kuwaiti preschool children warrants attention.
- A community-wide prevention campaign targeting parents, children, and healthcare providers is highly recommended.
Aims:
This is the first study in Kuwait to determine the prevalence, etiology, classification of trauma, teeth involved, place of injury and treatment received after dental trauma in preschool children.
Material And Methods:
A total of 500 preschool children presenting at a dental screening day in all governorates of Kuwait were clinically examined for signs of trauma to their primary teeth. The parents were then interviewed and a prevalidated questionnaire was completed with the demographic data of the participant and history of the dental trauma.
Results:
A total of 243 (48.6%) males and 257 (51.4%) females were screened. The age range was 2-6 years (mean age of 4.31 +/- 1.03 years). Fifty-six children (68 teeth) suffered trauma to their primary teeth making a prevalence of 11.2%. Majority of dental traumas occurred at home (n = 49, 87.5%) followed by at street (n = 4, 7.1%) and at school (n = 3, 5.4%). The most common reason of oral trauma was falls (n = 53, 94.6%).The most commonly affected tooth was the maxillary right primary central incisor (n = 29, 42.6%) followed by the maxillary left primary central incisor (n = 26, 38.2%). There were 20 teeth with enamel fractures (29.4%), 18 teeth had enamel- dentin fractures (26.5%) and 10 teeth had complicated crown fractures (14.7%). There were 17 luxated teeth (25%) and only three primary teeth (4.4%) were avulsed. The only statistically significant relation found in this study was between the type of trauma and the type of the treatment provided. Of the traumatized teeth, 23 (33.8%) did not receive any type of dental or medical care.
Conclusion:
In spite of the low prevalence of dental trauma in Kuwaiti preschool children, it is highly recommended to plan a community wide trauma prevention campaign targeting parents, children and medical/dental care providers.
