Prevalence and treatment demand after traumatic dental injury in South Brazilian schoolchildren

Background: Evaluation of the frequency and need for treatment of dental trauma is critical for both planning and establishing dental services and preventive programs. Aim: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of dental trauma, need for treatment and factors associated with dental visits after an injury. Subjects and Methods: A multistage sample of children aged 8-12 years, from 20 private and public schools in Pelotas/Southern Brazil, was considered. Socioeconomic information was collected from parents, and data regarding traumatic events were obtained from the children. Clinical examinations were conducted using validated criteria. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the factors associated with search for treatment after injury. Results: A total of 1210 children were included, 153 (12.6%, 95% CI 10.8-14.6) of whom suffered dental trauma, with a total of 175 traumatized teeth. The most frequently observed type of injury was enamel fracture, affecting 129 (73.7%) teeth, of which 107 did not require restorative treatment. A total of 68 (38.8%) teeth required care, of which 24 (13.7%) received treatment. Of the children who recalled the trauma, 39 (36.5%) sought treatment, which was significantly associated with both higher maternal education (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.18-6.41) and trauma severity (OR 7.71; 95% CI 3.17-18.75). Conclusions: The prevalence of traumatic injuries was relatively high in this population. Although most of the traumatized teeth did not require treatment, dental care was neglected, as most of the children were not taken to a dentist for evaluation. Also, there was a considerable demand for treatment, most of them of low complexity. Special attention should be given to children whose mothers have completed fewer years of education, as the mother's level of education was an important predictor of evaluation by a dentist after injury.