Prevalence and factors associated with fractured incisors of schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with fractured anterior teeth of 12 year old schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. METHOD: A cross sectional survey was carried out through clinical examination of 1930 schoolchildren from 21 public schools in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Traumatized anterior teeth, sociodemographic (gender, ethnicity, mother's education), oral soft tissues (lip line, lower lip trap, lip competency) and occlusal profile (overjet, overbite and anterior crossbite). RESULTS: 4.8% of the schoolchildren examined experienced fractured to anterior teeth. The proportion of fractured anterior teeth was 6.1 per 1000 anterior teeth. Of the total of 93 fractured permanent incisors, 96.8% was upper incisor. Central incisors were the most common teeth involved. Most of the affected children had fracture to one tooth (3.4%) while 1.4% involved 2 teeth Occurance of fractured incisors were three times more in boys than girls (p<0.001). Children from the family with higher education level were less likely to have fractured permanent incisor (p=0.039). Children with low lip line (p=0.010), lower lip trap (p=0.031), overjet greater than 5 mm (p=0.002) and complete overbite (p=0.003) were more likely to experienced fractured permanent incisor. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue and occlusion profile are important factors in determining fracture to permanent incisor therefore early identification of orthodontic problems are important.