Traumatic Dental Injuries among Children in Georgia: A Pathfinder Study

Methods: A pathfinder study was planned according to the WHO recommendations. Dental trauma was recorded by calibrated examiners in 3 large cities (the capital and 2 other large cities) representing mainly the Georgian population and in 2 villages around the country (representing mainly Armenian and Azeri minorities). School children were assessed in two different age groups: seventh grade (12 years old) and tenth grade (15 years old).  

Results: Overall, 649 children were examined; 335 in the seventh grade and 314 in the tenth grade. Incompetent lips were observed in 67 children. Over-jet above 5 mm was found in 28 children. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 8.32%. Out of all examined teeth, 89 were found to be injured; 25 in the seventh grade and 64 in the tenth grade. The most commonly affected teeth were upper central incisors. No avulsion case was reported in this cohort.    

Conclusions: Dental trauma is common among school children in Georgia.  Preventive and educational programs should be adopted in order to reduce dental trauma and enhance protective measures utilization to help protect the dentition.