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Trend of traumatic crown injuries and associated factors in preschool children
Bernardo Antonio Agostini1, Lisara Tosatto Pinto1, Mariangélica Koehler2
1Unviersidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, Program in Dental Science, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Insights
Traumatic crown injuries (TCIs) in preschool children significantly decreased over a 5-year period. However, older children and those with inadequate lip coverage remain at higher risk for these dental injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Traumatic crown injuries (TCIs) are a significant concern in preschool children's oral health.
- Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trends in TCIs, their prevalence, and associations with socioeconomic and clinical factors in preschool children over a 5-year period.
- To analyze changes in TCI prevalence and identify associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional surveys conducted in Santa Maria, Brazil, in 2008, 2010, and 2013.
- Clinical examinations using the O'brien index and semi-structured questionnaires for parents.
- Statistical analysis including chi-square for trends and Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in TCI prevalence from 10.12% in 2008 to 2013 was observed (p < 0.001).
- Central incisors were the most frequently injured teeth.
- Older children and those with inadequate lip coverage showed a higher likelihood of TCIs (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- While TCI prevalence declined, these injuries remain a public health issue requiring attention in oral health policies.
- Identifying children at higher risk, such as older ones with inadequate lip coverage, can inform targeted interventions.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess trends in traumatic crown injuries (TCIs), their prevalence, and association with socioeconomic and clinical factors in preschool children over a 5-year period. A series of cross-sectional surveys was conducted in Santa Maria, Brazil, on children attending a National Day of Children's Vaccination. The same protocol was used in all surveys conducted in 2008, 2010, and 2013. Clinical examinations were performed to evaluate types of traumatic crown injuries using the O'brien index. A semi-structured questionnaire was answered by the parents. It provided information about several socioeconomic factors as well as the parents' perception of their child's oral health. The chi-square for trends test was used to verify changes in TCI prevalence throughout the years. The association between socioeconomic and clinical factors with TCI was assessed by the Poisson regression analysis. A total of 1,640 children were examined. The prevalence of TCIs decreased significantly from 2008 to 2013 (10.12%; p < 0.001). Central incisors were the most vulnerable to injury, independent of the year. Moreover, older children and those with inadequate lip coverage were more likely to present with some traumatic dental injury (p < 0.001). prevalence of traumatic crown injuries decreased following the years, however TCI remain an important subject to consider when planning oral health policies.
