Retrospective study of traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth in a Brazilian specialized pediatric practice

Evaluation of the knowledge level of pediatricians on dental trauma and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application: A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pediatricians play an essential role in managing pediatric oral emergencies; hence, they should have accurate information on dental injuries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of pediatricians regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey comprising 10 questions was created on Google forms, and the links were sent to the participants via electronic mail and a mobile application. The demographic characteristics and the knowledge level of pediatricians about TDI and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application were evaluated. The questions were prepared by following similar studies and the current guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology.

RESULTS

A total of 229 pediatricians (74.2% female) participated in this study. The correct answer rates revealed statistical differences in terms of profession and experience on the following issues: the most frequently traumatized tooth, the preference of the antibiotic agent, and the management of avulsed primary tooth (p < .05). The decision to consult a dentist revealed statistical differences in the profession (p = .001). The correct answers on the correlation between the age group and dental trauma accompanied by soft tissue injuries showed statistical differences in experience (p = .005). Although none of the participants knew the ToothSOS application, 91.7% of them preferred using this tool in future practices. This rate was statistically higher in participants with an experience of more than 10 years (p = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge level of pediatricians regarding dental trauma was found to be sufficient, except for the questions on avulsion injuries. However, the fact that the participants were unaware of the ToothSOS mobile application was the most considerable result of the study, and this finding highlighted the importance of informing pediatricians dealing with oral injuries regarding the latest updates on dental traumatology.

A Case Report of Fracture of the Segment of Maxillary Alveolar Process Involving Primary Incisors

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) have significant long-term consequences for the oral cavity's hard and soft tissues. Alveolar process fractures are particularly complicated. This case report describes the management and 12-month follow-up of a segmental maxillary alveolar process fracture involving laterally luxated primary incisors. A case of a 4-year-old boy was reported to the hospital 1 hour after an accidental fall at school, which resulted in a fracture of the maxillary alveolar process. Emergency treatment consisted of fracture reduction and repositioning of the primary incisors, followed by a semirigid splint between maxillary canines. The splints were removed at the end of week 4, and the affected primary incisors remained asymptomatic.

Evaluation of primary teeth affected by dental trauma in patients visiting a university clinic, Part 1: Epidemiology

OBJECTIVES

The retrospective study reported herein was the first of three that investigated dental trauma in primary teeth. This article discusses the study that aimed to reveal the epidemiology of trauma with data such as prevalence, risk factors, and types of injuries, and to highlight prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 320 patients aged 0-9 years who visited the Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry Pedodontics Department due to dental trauma were evaluated according to the age, gender, medical condition, season, oral habits, trauma environment/type/cause, personal characteristics, and number of siblings. The chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables by group.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 25.9% were aged 24-35 months at the time of study, 62.8% were male, 38.1% had two siblings, 37.2% had a sucking habit, 93.4% had a healthy medical condition, 41.3% experienced the trauma in summer, and 26.3% were aged 30-34 months at the time they incurred the trauma. Of the traumas, 54.1% were caused by falling, 60% occurred at home, 23% pertained to lateral luxation, and 70% were incurred when the patients were with their mother.

CONCLUSION

Given the results of this study, mothers with low education levels should be informed about their children's risk of incurring injuries from falling at home, especially in summer. Parents should also be warned that their children's oral habits increase their risk of trauma.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study can help increase the knowledge level of clinicians, can raise social awareness, and can guide plan formulation for preventing risks.

Prevalence and patterns of traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth: a 3-year retrospective overview study in Vienna

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to retrospectively identify the prevalence, patterns, and accident types of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in children with primary teeth in Vienna, Austria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The investigation was conducted as a retrospective overview study including all children with TDIs in primary teeth at the University Dental Clinic of Vienna (Austria) between 2014 and 2016. Dental records including age, gender, location of trauma, type of trauma, cause of TDI, and location of traumatic incident were obtained. Furthermore, the time of presentation and the time span between TDI and initial treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The sample comprised TDIs in 243 patients with 403 primary teeth. In a ratio of 1:1.45, boys were significantly more involved than girls. Upper central and lateral incisors were most frequently affected (n = 371, 92.1%). Dislocations were the most common type of injury (n = 298, 74%) with subluxations being the most prevalent form (n = 85, 28.5%). In 23% (n = 92), fractures were observed. The majority of traumatic incidents occurred at home (88.5%).

CONCLUSION

The injury characteristics are comparable to what has previously been reported in other studies in pediatric populations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

TDIs are a prevalent event in children worldwide and incisors are the most affected teeth in the primary dentition. Thus, dental practitioners should be able to handle these injuries.

Dental trauma in toddlers 1-3 years of age living in multicultural areas of Stockholm, Sweden: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Traumatic dental injuries are common and affect many children. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of dental trauma as well as the costs and resource use in a cohort of children aged 1-3 years in low socioeconomic areas (low income and educational level) of Stockholm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were extracted from a larger intervention trial and analyzed for the prevalence and other characteristics of dental trauma as well as patient characteristics of children (n = 1346) from six dental clinics in low-income, multicultural areas. Variables describing the trauma, socioeconomic status, direct and indirect costs, and time spent at the emergency visit for the dental trauma were retrieved from the dental records. The study also recorded which healthcare profession handled the first and follow-up visits.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental trauma in the study cohort was 8.2%, and higher among boys (n = 71) than girls (n = 39). Boys exhibited a significantly higher risk for dental trauma (OR, 1.76; 95% CI = 1.17-2.65). Maxillary incisors were the teeth most often traumatized, and lateral luxation was the most common diagnosis. The mean time spent per child during the first year following the dental trauma was 36 min, and the mean costs per child were EUR 878. The total average per-child cost (direct and indirect costs) for dental trauma was EUR 2107. Dental visits due to traumatic injuries were significantly less common among children with an immigrant background and in families with an income ≤EUR 2000 per month.

CONCLUSIONS

Toddlers in families who have a low socioeconomic status, a foreign background, and live in multicultural areas of Stockholm visit dental clinics for traumatic dental injuries less often than non-immigrant children living in families with a high socioeconomic status.

The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The varied prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in primary teeth around the globe raises a serious knowledge gap in the available literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of TDI in primary teeth and also to evaluate the different factors associated with TDI in primary teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with predefined search criteria. The primary outcome was the prevalence of TDI in primary teeth, and the secondary outcomes were the factors associated with TDI in primary teeth. Qualitative analysis was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. The random-effect model was used for meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis was done to evaluate the heterogeneity between the included studies. Meta-analysis was done using the "meta" package of "R" language. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using GRADEpro GDT software.

RESULTS

A total of 24 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria representing 4876 TDIs in 22 839 children aged between 0 and 6 years old. The overall prevalence of TDI in primary teeth was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.24-31.43, P = 0, I²  = 99%). Falls contributed the highest number of TDI - 59.3% (95% CI: 41.05-76.40, P < .01, I²  = 98%) - in primary teeth. The most common type of tooth fracture in primary teeth was an enamel fracture (61.9%), and prevalence of TDI in children with incompetent lip closure was 49.4%.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TDI in cross-sectional studies of primary teeth was 24.2% with very low quality of evidence. Falls contributed the highest number of TDI in primary teeth, accounting for 59.3%. Children with incompetent lip closure have the highest prevalence (49.4%) of TDI in primary teeth.

A cross-sectional evaluation of knowledge among Chinese dentists regarding the treatment of traumatic injuries in primary teeth

BACKGROUND/AIM

Injuries to the primary dentition affect children's esthetics, function, and mental health. They may also affect the development of the permanent teeth. The knowledge of dentists about deciduous tooth trauma is rarely evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dentists in China regarding traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A self-administered online questionnaire containing questions on demographic data and knowledge based on a clinical scenario was given to a purposive sample of dentists, recruited by a non-probability convenience sampling method. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, with the significance level set at P <.05.

RESULTS

A total of 394 out of 409 dentists provided valid data. There was no significant difference in demographic data. Questions about the treatment of hard dental tissue injuries in primary teeth presented a correct-response rate of 66.4%, with the highest correct-response rate for enamel fracture (n = 368, 93.4%) and lowest for complicated crown-root fracture with pulp exposure (n = 104, 26.4%). Questions about treatment of luxation injuries in primary teeth presented a correct-response rate of 66.6%, with subluxation presenting the highest correct-response rate (n = 391, 99.2%). Factors associated with higher correct-response rates were specialist disciplines, educational qualifications, workplaces, experience of injured teeth treated, and educational experience about primary tooth trauma. No significant differences were found in the correct-response rates of dentists with different years of work experience. Lack of cooperation from children was considered a major obstacle for treatment. Special lectures and Internet courses were the most preferred methods of obtaining knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that it is necessary to enhance dental trauma education for dentists in China. More attention needs to be paid to trauma in primary dentition to ensure adequate treatment for traumatized primary teeth.

Association between malocclusion and the severity of dental trauma in primary teeth

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The literature does not clearly state whether the type of malocclusion is associated with a specific type of trauma and the severity of the injury. Hence, the aim of this retrospective study was to assess the occlusal condition in children with traumatic dental injuries of the primary teeth, and the association between the occlusal characteristics and the type and severity of these injuries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were collected from records of children treated at a dental trauma center in Brazil over a period of 16 years. The data included age, gender, etiology of the trauma, place of occurrence, number of affected teeth, type of trauma, and injury severity. The occlusal condition was assessed by a trained dentist using photographs of the patients from their first visit. Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used for data analyses.

RESULTS

This study included 209 patients, and most were aged between 2-4 years (50.55%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that children with an anterior open bite had a 47% higher prevalence of severe trauma than those who did not have an anterior open bite, and those with class II canines had a 56% higher prevalence of severe trauma than those with class I and III canines. Children with an anterior open bite had a 46% higher prevalence of injuries affecting multiple teeth than those without an anterior open bite.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior open bite and class II canine relationship were associated with a higher prevalence of severe traumatic dental injury in primary teeth, and anterior open bite was associated with trauma affecting multiple teeth.

How does orofacial trauma in children affect the developing dentition? Long-term treatment and associated complications

Each year, millions of children are injured and live with the consequences of those injuries. Through infancy and childhood, orofacial trauma caused by falls or being struck by or against objects occurs in children. The long-term implications on the developing permanent teeth are little known, even when the oral region is the second most frequently injured body area in children under 6 years of age. During this period, the developing permanent teeth may be directly involved after trauma, causing mild to severe hypoplasia, displacement, damage to the tooth germ, or an extended range of morphofunctional disturbances. In some cases, the effects of oral and dental injuries caused by trauma appear later with the eruption of the permanent incisors when ectopic eruption, malalignments, and other developmental disturbances become visible. Therefore, long-term follow up of the patient in order to diagnose and treat associated complications becomes essential. Critical points for facing the consequences of orofacial trauma on the developing dentition are to recognize the impact of orofacial trauma in young children and the dentist's role in providing anticipatory guidance to parents and health care professionals, differentiate between mild and severe disturbances affecting the developing permanent teeth after oral injuries in early childhood, recognize the importance of follow-up controls, and recognize the importance of early referral to a pediatric dentist and orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment planning.

How Does Orofacial Trauma in Children Affect the Developing Dentition? Long-term Treatment and Associated Complications

Each year, millions of children are injured and live with the consequences of those injuries. Through infancy and childhood, orofacial trauma caused by falls or being struck by or against objects occurs in children. The long-term implications on the developing permanent teeth are little known, even when the oral region is the second most frequently injured body area in children under 6 years of age. During this period, the developing permanent teeth may be directly involved after trauma, causing mild to severe hypoplasia, displacement, damage to the tooth germ, or an extended range of morphofunctional disturbances. In some cases, the effects of oral and dental injuries caused by trauma appear later with the eruption of the permanent incisors when ectopic eruption, malalignments, and other developmental disturbances become visible. Therefore, long-term follow up of the patient in order to diagnose and treat associated complications becomes essential. Critical points for facing the consequences of orofacial trauma on the developing dentition are to recognize the impact of orofacial trauma in young children and the dentist's role in providing anticipatory guidance to parents and health care professionals, differentiate between mild and severe disturbances affecting the developing permanent teeth after oral injuries in early childhood, recognize the importance of follow-up controls, and recognize the importance of early referral to a pediatric dentist and orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Maternal characteristics, home environment, and other factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in preschool children

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The importance of external factors such as maternal and home characteristics on traumatic dental injuries needs to be investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal and home characteristics and dental trauma in preschool children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study using a cluster random sample evaluated children between 3 and 4 years of age from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Mothers completed the Brazilian version of the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI). They answered questions about sociodemographics, maternal behaviors, and home characteristics. Dental trauma was assessed by the Children's Dental Health Survey criteria. Malocclusion and deleterious habits were also assessed. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of exploratory variables with different categories of dental trauma. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 163 pairs of children and mothers agreed to participate (78.4% response rate). The prevalence of dental trauma was 49.8%. Mother's work outside the home, overjet, and anterior crossbite were associated with the occurrence of enamel trauma, while having a younger mother, families having more siblings, and having a mother with university education were associated with increased odds of dentin/pulp trauma.

CONCLUSION

Depression and anxiety in the mothers were not associated with dental trauma, while malocclusion characteristics were more relevant for less severe, enamel trauma. Socioeconomic and home environment characteristics played a role in more severe, dentin/pulp trauma.

Oral injuries in children less than 24 months of age in a pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

Oral injuries in young children may indicate physical abuse. The prevalence of oral injuries in young children presenting to the emergency department is unknown. These data would assist providers in making decisions about the need for further abuse evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of oral injuries, associated chief complaints and characteristics, and frequency of abuse evaluations in children younger than 24 months presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Twelve pediatric emergency medicine physicians consecutively enrolled children younger than 24 months in a tertiary care PED.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study. Enrolled patients underwent a complete oral examination. Providers recorded patient demographics, type of chief complaint, oral injury details, developmental ability, and the presence of an abuse evaluation.

RESULTS

Oral injuries occurred in 36/1303 (2.8%, 95% CI 1.9-3.8%) and were more common in patients with traumatic (26/200, 13%) versus medical chief complaints (10/1,103, 0.9%) (p < .001). Of patients with oral injuries (36), 78% were mobile and 72% had traumatic chief complaints. Nine (25%) children with oral injuries were evaluated for abuse. Oral injuries in children 0-11 months old were more likely to be evaluated for abuse than children 12-24 months old (70.0% vs. 7.7%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of oral injuries in children <24 months old presenting to a PED was low. Most occurred in mobile children and in children with traumatic chief complaints. Younger, non-mobile children with oral injuries had a higher likelihood of having an abuse evaluation.

The association of overjet with traumatic dental injuries: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION

The objective of this review of association (etiology) is to identify the relationship between different overjet measurements and developing a traumatic dental injury (TDI) across different dentition stages. Specifically, the review will elucidate the critical level, in millimetres, at which an overjet will place an individual at an increased risk of developing a TDI within each specific dentition stage. The specific review questions are.

World traumatic dental injury prevalence and incidence, a meta-analysis-One billion living people have had traumatic dental injuries

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) account for a considerable proportion of bodily injuries. Nevertheless, global TDI frequency is unknown, probably because TDI diagnosis is not standardized. This study estimated world TDI frequency. A literature search (publication years 1996-2016) was aimed at covering as many countries, communities, ethnic groups as possible, thus achieving high generalizability. In particular, non-specific keywords, no language restrictions, and large databanks were used. Observational studies reporting proportions of individuals with at least one TDI (prevalence) and who developed TDI (incidence rate) were considered. Prevalence rates to permanent dentition, primary dentition and in 12-year-olds, incidence rate to any tooth for any age, male-to-female prevalence ratio (PR) in 12-year-olds, with 95% confidence intervals (95 CIs), were extracted/calculated. Study quality, Z-score distribution, funnel plot symmetry analysis, between-study heterogeneity, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were performed. Selected primary studies were 102 (permanent dentition; 268 755 individuals; median age, 13.8 years), 46 (primary dentition; 59 436 individuals; median age, 3.4 years), 42 (12-year-olds; 33 829 individuals), 11 (incidence rate; 233 480 person-years; median age, 7.8 years), and 31 (PR; 16 003 males, 16 006 females). World TDI frequency resulted as follows: permanent dentition prevalence 15.2% (95 CI, 13.0%-17.4%); primary dentition prevalence 22.7% (95 CI, 17.3%-28.7%); 12-year-olds prevalence 18.1% (95 CI, 15.3%-21.0%); incidence rate, 2.82 (95 CI, 2.28%-3.42%) per 100 person-years; PR, 1.43 (95 CI, 1.34%-1.52%). Differences between WHO Regions were found. This study shows that more than one billion living people have had TDI. TDI is a neglected condition which could rank fifth if it was included in the list of the world's most frequent acute/chronic diseases and injuries.

Anti-dentine Salivary SIgA in young adults with a history of dental trauma in deciduous teeth

Anti-dentin autoantibodies are associated with inflammatory root resorption in permanent teeth and are modulated by dental trauma and orthodontic force. However, it is not known whether deciduous tooth trauma can stimulate the development of a humoral immune response against dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of salivary SIgA reactivity against human dentin extract in young adults with a history of trauma in the primary dentition. A sample of 78 patients, aged 18 to 25, who had completed an early childhood (0 to 5 years old) caries prevention program years earlier at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina Pediatric Clinic, underwent radiographic examination and salivary sampling. Anti-dentin SIgA levels were analyzed by immunoenzymatic assay and Western blotting. Although dental trauma to deciduous teeth had occurred in 34 (43.6%) of the patients, no differences in SIgA levels were detected between individuals who had experienced trauma and those who had not (p > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed no association between dental trauma and SIgA levels (p > 0.05). Patients with a history of deciduous trauma presented low levels of anti-dentin antibodies, associated with orthodontic root resorption (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that salivary antibodies recognized a single band of approximately 45 kDa in dentin extract. We concluded that salivary SIgA recognizes a specific component of the dentin matrix and that anti-dentin antibodies were not triggered by trauma to primary teeth. However, trauma to deciduous teeth may down-modulate SIgA in response to orthodontic root response.

Impact of traumatic dental injuries and malocclusions on quality of life of preschool children: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Few studies assessed the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and malocclusions on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children.

AIM

To assess the impact of the presence of TDI and malocclusions, as well as its severity and types, respectively, on the OHRQoL of preschool children.

DESIGN

The study was conducted in 1215 children aged 1-4 years old who attended the National Day of Children Vaccination in Diadema, Brazil. Parents answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and socio-demographic conditions. Calibrated dental examiners performed the oral examinations for TDI and malocclusions. Poisson regression models adjusted by dental caries associated the clinical and socio-demographic conditions with the outcome.

RESULTS

The multivariate adjusted models showed associations between some individual domains of the B-ECOHIS and clinical and socio-demographic conditions (P < 0.05). The severity of TDI showed a negative impact on the symptoms domain and self-image/social interaction domain (P < 0.05). Children with complicated TDI were more likely to experience a negative impact on total B-ECOHIS scores (PR = 2.10; P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of complicated TDI and dental caries were associated with worse OHRQoL of Brazilian preschool children, whereas malocclusions do not.

Multidisciplinary approach to delayed treatment of traumatic teeth injuries involving extrusive luxation, avulsion and crown fracture

A 12-year-old boy with extrusion of the maxillary right central incisor, uncomplicated fracture of the left central incisor, avulsion of the mandibular right and left central incisors, and crown fracture of the mandibular right lateral incisor presented to the Kocaeli University Department of Pediatric Dentistry 20 days after sustaining the traumatic injuries. Orthodontic repositioning of the extrusive maxillary right central incisor was planned. Additionally, this tooth was necrotic and needed root canal treatment. The maxillary left central incisor and right mandibular lateral incisor were necrotic and needed root canal treatment. The orthodontic and endodontic treatments were successfully performed simultaneously. Restoration of the fractured mandibular right lateral incisor and maxillary left central incisor was completed with resin composite. Subsequent to orthodontic and endodontic treatment, prosthodontic rehabilitation was performed. At the two-year followup, the teeth appeared normal and the patient had no complaints.

Radicular maturity level of primary teeth and its association with trauma sequelae

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the radicular maturity level of primary teeth on the sequelae of traumatic dental injury (TDI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A longitudinal retrospective study that collected data from dental records and radiographs of patients with TDI in one or both maxillary primary central incisors was conducted. Sequelae such as crown discoloration, pulp canal obliteration (PCO) and inflammatory root resorption (IRR) were evaluated during a 12- to 18-month follow-up period after the trauma.

RESULTS

Of the 132 patients included in the study, 103 (78%) had luxations and 29 (22%) had dental fractures. At the initial postinjury examination, 12 teeth (9.1%) were found to have immature roots, 107 (81.1%) had closed apexes and 13 (9.8%) had visible root resorption. Inflammatory root resorption occurred mostly in traumatized teeth that presented with physiological root resorption at the moment of trauma (P = 0.004). The frequency of PCO was higher in teeth with a closed apex at the moment of the injury (P = 0.026). There was also an association between the type of injury and the occurrence of crown discoloration (P = 0.008) as well as between the type of injury and the development of PCO (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of TDI sequelae can be determined by the type of injury as well as by the radicular maturity level of the primary teeth at the moment of injury.

Occurrence of dental avulsion and associated injuries in patients with facial trauma over a 9-year period

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study aimed to assess the occurrence of dental avulsions in patients with facial trauma over a 9-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected from records of patients attended to at the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Piracicaba Dental School-State University of Campinas, Piracicaba (SP), Brazil.

RESULTS

Two hundred three patients with 387 avulsed teeth were evaluated, the central incisors being the most common teeth involved (42 % of permanent and 61 % of primary teeth). Thirty-four percent of the cases occurred on weekends, mainly on Saturdays (20 %) and the distribution in relation to the time of year was similar with slight peaks in January. The most prevalent associated dentoalveolar injury was lateral luxation (26 %) and 19 % of the patients presented with an associated facial fracture. The most common sign presented was laceration (23 %), and the main symptoms found were pain (58 %). Associated general trauma was present in 139 patients (68 %), and the most prevalent was the upper limb (41 %).

DISCUSSION

Special emphasis should be given not only to diagnosis and treatment of dental avulsion but for prevention, too. An understanding of the etiology, severity, and distribution of associated traumatic injuries can help for future studies and for an effective prevention of these injuries.

Hypoplastic enamel treatment in permanent anterior teeth of a child

In some patients with labial white stains involving the enamel and dentin, bleaching associated with a restorative procedure using composites may be an appropriate treatment alternative. Although bleaching makes the teeth and the stain whiter, the staining is less evident and easier to restore. Restorative procedures using adequate composites may then recover the natural optical properties while also providing appropriate mechanical properties, thereby ensuring the longevity of the treatment. In this article, the clinical case of a 9-year-old patient who reported dissatisfaction with her smile because of the presence of hypoplastic enamel staining at the central superior and inferior incisors is reported. The treatment consisted of a bleaching protocol followed by composite resin restorations using the stratification technique. The final esthetic result demonstrated the possibility of obtaining a natural smile with an adequate color and natural-looking restorations, thereby ensuring the esthetics and the patient's functional satisfaction.

International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 3. Injuries in the primary dentition

Traumatic injuries to the primary dentition present special problems and the management is often different as compared with the permanent dentition. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a consensus statement after a review of the dental literature and group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialities were included in the task group. In cases where the data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion or majority decision of the task group. Finally, the IADT board members were giving their opinion and approval. The primary goal of these guidelines is to delineate an approach for the immediate or urgent care for management of primary teeth injuries. The IADT cannot and does not guarantee favorable outcomes from strict adherence to the guidelines, but believe that their application can maximize the chances of a positive outcome.

Impact of traumatic dental injuries and malocclusions on quality of life of young children

BACKGROUND

The presence of traumatic dental injuries and malocclusions can have a negative impact on quality of life of young children and their parents, affecting their oral health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of traumatic dental injuries and anterior malocclusion traits on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children between 2 and 5 years-old.

METHODS

Parents of 260 children answered the six domains of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) on their perception of the OHRQoL (outcome). Two calibrated dentists assessed the types of traumatic dental injuries (Kappa = 0.9) and the presence of anterior malocclusion traits (Kappa = 1.0). OHRQoL was measured using the ECOHIS. Poisson regression was used to associate the type of traumatic dental injury and the presence of anterior malocclusion traits to the outcome.

RESULTS

The presence of anterior malocclusion traits did not show a negative impact on the overall OHRQoL mean or in each domain. Only complicated traumatic dental injuries showed a negative impact on the symptoms (p = 0.005), psychological (p = 0.029), self image/social interaction (p = 0.004) and family function (p = 0.018) domains and on the overall OHRQoL mean score (p = 0.002). The presence of complicated traumatic dental injuries showed an increased negative impact on the children's quality of life (RR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.36, 2.63; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated traumatic dental injuries have a negative impact on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their parents, but anterior malocclusion traits do not.