Dental trauma and associated variables among Beersheba children

Introduction: Few Israeli studies have been conducted on dental trauma. The present study was conducted in Beer-Sheba. Ojectives included investigating the prevalence of dental trauma among 5th – 6th grade schoolchildren and potentially associated variables. Methods: The representative sample consisted of 341 children from 10 schools. Children were examined with a flash light and a plane dental mirror. Parents of children with dental trauma were then interviewed via the telephone. Results: Data revealed that 14.7% of the children had suffered dental trauma. Among these children, 50% had mild trauma (enamel only) and 50% had severe trauma (dentin or worse). The highest prevalence level was unrestored enamel fracture (42.8% of the cases). Among 74% of the dental trauma cases, only one tooth was involved, where teeth #11 and #21 were the teeth most frequently involved (42% and 39% respectively). In this study we didn't find significant differences between males and females contrary to previous studies, nor connections between parents' ethnic origin and occupation and dental trauma. No statistically significant associations were found with overjet and upper incisor exposure. Children with incompetent lips suffered about three times more severe trauma than children with competent lips (11.5% vs. 3.8%). Regression logistics analyses revealed that only lip competence was statistically significantly associated with dental trauma (p<0.01). Of the dental trauma incidence, 21% occurred in the school yard and sports fields. The main reason for the trauma was falling or jumping. For 54% of the dental trauma cases, another person was involved, 15% of the cases were reportedly due to "another person's intention". Only 50% of the children with dental trauma had sought dental treatment. Conclusions: This research indicates a clear call for oral public health action in Israel in order to increase the awareness among the children and their parents.