Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries and Their Associated Risk Factors in Eight- to 12-Year-Old Children in the State of Goa: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study finds that 7.4% of children aged 8-12 in Goa have dental injuries, with rural areas and enamel fractures being most common, and highlights a lack of awareness about treatment.

Contribution

The first study on traumatic dental injuries in Goa's children, revealing rural prevalence and low treatment-seeking behavior.

Findings

7.39% of 8-12-year-old children in Goa had traumatic dental injuries.

Rural areas accounted for 65.34% of TDI cases, with enamel fractures being most common.

Only 12.4% of children with TDIs sought treatment, showing low awareness.

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) involving permanent anterior teeth are a prevalent type of dental injury in school-going children and can have a considerable impact on their physical health, psychological well-being, and social functioning. In the state of Goa, a study on TDI prevalence and its associated risk factors among children aged eight to 12 years has not been conducted.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TDIs and its association with various risk factors in eight- to 12-year-old children in the state of Goa.

Materials and methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted on 2,732 school‑going children aged eight to 12 years. A detailed history and examination of 202 children who were identified with dental trauma was performed. Anterior dental trauma was assessed, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results: A prevalence of 202 out of 2,732 (7.39%) children was observed in the sample studied. TDIs in rural areas comprised 132 (65.34%) children. Single-tooth enamel fractures were most commonly seen. Left maxillary central incisors were mostly involved. About 80 (39.60%) subjects were unaware of their TDI incident. About 91 (45%) subjects had overjet <3 mm, three (1.5%) children showed anterior open bite, 168 (83.2%) children had Angle’s class I molar relation, and 194 (96%) children presented with competent lips. Among the subjects with trauma, only 25 (12.4 %) children sought treatment, while the remainder, 151 (74.8%) children, were unaware that they should seek treatment. Moreover, most of the children were unaware of the immediate management and first aid for TDI episodes.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of TDIs among children in Goa, emphasizing the higher occurrence in rural areas, maxillary central incisors, and enamel fractures. Moreover, the study has found that only 25 (12.4%) children sought treatment for dental trauma, indicating the need for increased awareness and elaboration of prevention strategies for TDIs at the population level.

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