Predisposing Factors And Prevalence Of Fractured Anterior Teeth Among 12 And 16 Years Old School Malaysian Children

OBJECTIVE: This study reports on the predisposing factors and prevalence of fractured anterior teeth among 12 and 16 years-old school children in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, West Malaysia. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 488 school children aged 12 and 16 years old and two calibrated dentists on the use of the World Health Organization (WHO) modification of Andreasen's 1999 classification. An oral examination was performed and all the necessary information was collected using a specified data collection sheet. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 12. RESULTS: The response rate was 98.8%. The prevalence of fractured anterior teeth was 11.2% at the age of 12 and 13.4% at the age of 16. Boys experienced more fractures than girls (p < 0.05) among 12 year-olds but there was no gender predilection among 16 year olds. Most children could not remember the cause of fracture (> 53.6%). Over 80% of dental injuries were of minor type (enamel fracture not involving the dentin). The maxillary central incisor was the most affected (> 60%) tooth. Children at the age of 12 years with over jet greater than 3 mm, incompetent and short lip were predisposed to dental injuries (p < 0.05). There was no association between molar relationship and fractures (p > 0.05) in both age groups. CONCLUSION. The present study assessed the prevalence of dental injuries in 12 and 16 year old children and determined the risk factors that predispose to dental injuries. The possible causes and consequences of such tooth fractures must be highlighted to ensure esthetics and tooth longevity.