Oral and Dental Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect: Clinical Report

Abstract

In all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians aremandated to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect to social service or law enforcement agencies. The purpose of this clinical report is to review the oral aspects of abuse and dental neglect in children and the role of pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians in evaluating such conditions. This clinical report addresses recommendations on the evaluation of bitemarks, as well as perioral and intraoral injuries, infections, and diseases thatmay raise suspicion for child abuse or neglect. Some physiciansmay have received less education pertaining to oral health, dental injury, and oral disease. These physiciansmay not detect themouth and gumfindings possibly related to abuse or neglect as readily as abuse injuries involving other areas of the body. Therefore, pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians are encouraged to collaborate to increase the prevention, detection, and treatment of these conditions in children.