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Birth order--a risk factor for dental trauma?
Matthias Käch1, Gabriel Krastl, Nicola U Zitzmann
1Department of Oral Surgery, Oral Radiology and Oral Medicine, Centre of Dental Traumatology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Summary
Birth order influences dental trauma risk, with lastborns experiencing a higher likelihood of sustaining dental trauma twice. Specific character traits associated with lastborns may contribute to this increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Birth order is known to influence various character traits, with notable differences observed between firstborn and lastborn children.
- Understanding factors contributing to childhood injuries is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth order and the risk of experiencing dental trauma in children.
- To explore potential links between birth order, personality traits, and the incidence of dental trauma.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 1282 children from 500 families in Switzerland was conducted.
- Mothers were personally interviewed regarding their children's history of dental trauma before age 16.
- Inclusion criteria required families to have at least two children.
Main Results:
- Thirty-two percent of children experienced at least one dental trauma before age 16.
- Lastborn children had a 2.1 times higher relative risk of sustaining a second dental trauma compared to firstborns (P=0.02).
- Lastborns were characterized by mothers as more curious, less calm, and less deliberate, traits associated with a higher risk of second dental trauma.
Conclusions:
- Birth order is identified as a significant risk factor for recurrent dental trauma.
- The personality traits of lastborns, such as being curious, less calm, and potentially aggressive, may explain their elevated risk for dental trauma.
- These findings suggest that birth order and associated behavioral characteristics should be considered in the prevention of dental trauma.
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