Investigating traumatic dental injuries among Quebec children

Although dental caries have overpowered traumatic dental injury (TDI) as a dental public health problem for decades, TDI prevalence and severity is increasing in certain populations. However, no studies have investigated the prevalence and determinants of TDI among Quebec children. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with TDI to anterior teeth in children participating in the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (Quality) cohort. Methods: The Quality cohort is an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the natural history of obesity in Quebec children. Study participants (N=279) include children 8-10 years of age at risk of obesity, and their families, living in the Montreal and Quebec City areas. TDI was clinically evaluated and recorded using the same criteria as the Children's Dental Health Survey, United Kingdom. Questionnaires completed by children and their parents collected data on socio-demographic, behavioural and environmental factors. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of TDI was 12.9% (95% CI: 9-17). Children with incisal overjet greater than 6mm and those with inadequate lip coverage were at higher risk of TDI, OR= 2.9 (95%CI: 1.4-5.6) and OR= 1.74 (95%CI: 0.79-3.87), respectively. Furthermore, children from high socioeconomic backgrounds (SES) had more TDI OR= 4.34 (95%CI: 1.90-9.92). Unexpectedly, there was no statistically significant difference in the TDI prevalence between boys (55.6%) and girls (44.4%). Conclusion: TDI prevalence in Quebec children is similar to other North American populations. Also, children with incisal overjet greater than 6mm and those from more advantaged families were more likely to have had TDI. A potential explanation for these results may be differences in access to sports and recreational activities. However, further analysis is required to explore in-depth the determinants of TDI, as treatment is expensive and TDI can affect children's social and emotional wellbeing. Preventive programmes to reduce TDI are thus required.