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Traumatic anterior dental injuries in Nigerian preschool children
O D Otuyemi1, I O Segun-Ojo, A A Adegboye
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
A study of 1,401 Nigerian preschoolers found 30.8% had traumatic dental injuries, primarily enamel fractures. Maxillary central incisors were most affected, highlighting the need for preventive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Traumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common in primary teeth.
- Preschool children are particularly susceptible due to their activity levels.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of TDIs is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of traumatic injuries to primary incisors and canines in preschool children.
- To analyze the distribution of injury types and affected teeth.
- To assess variations in prevalence by sex and age.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey was conducted.
- 1,401 preschool children aged 1-5 years were examined.
- Data collected from 21 day care and nursery schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of traumatic injuries was 30.8%.
- Enamel fracture was the most common injury type (66.8%).
- Maxillary central incisors were the most frequently injured teeth; most children had one affected tooth.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of preschool children experience traumatic dental injuries.
- Preventive strategies and timely treatment are essential to mitigate long-term effects on permanent dentition.
- Further research into risk factors and effective preventive measures is warranted.
Abstract:
An epidemiological survey of 1,401 preschool children aged one to five years was carried out in 21 day care and nursery schools from Ile-Ife, Nigeria to determine by sex and age, the prevalence of traumatic injuries to primary incisors and canines with their distribution according to type of injuries. The prevalence of injuries was 30.8%. No significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls was reported. The most common type of injury in the population was enamel fracture (66.8%). Most of the children had only one traumatised tooth and maxillary central incisors were the most commonly involved teeth in trauma. There is need to provide adequate preventive and treatment care in view of the consequences on permanent dentition.