Predisposing factors for traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in primary teeth and determine predisposing factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 388 male and female Brazilian preschool children between 60 and 71 months of age. A questionnaire addressing demographic data and history of TDI was sent to parents/caregivers. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), family income, number of people in the household and parents/caregivers' schooling. The chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of TDI was 62.1%; 61.7% of the teeth were affected by enamel fracture. Statistically significant associations were found between TDI and increased overjet [OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.11- 4.55] and anterior crossbite [OR = 0.38, 95% CI=0.17-0.87]. No statistically significant associations were found between TDI and number of people in the household, family income, social vulnerability, parents/caregivers' schooling, lip competence, overbite, anterior open bite and dental caries (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of TDI was high and enamel fracture was the most common sign of TDI. Children with an increased overjet suffer more TDIs. Socioeconomic factors had no influence over the prevalence of TDI.
Viegas
C M
CM
Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. claudiamviegas@yahoo.com.br
Scarpelli
A C
AC
Carvalho
A C
AC
Ferreira
F M
FM
Pordeus
I A
IA
Paiva
S M
SM
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous