La odontología en el diagnóstico del maltrato infantil / Dentistry and Child Abuse Diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Child abuse was first described in 1868 by pathologist Ambrosio Tardieu, but it was until the last century when the role of the dentist became relevant to early diagnose this syndrome. Several studies have shown that close to 50 % of head and face trauma is caused by physical abuse of which lips are the most commonly injured site (54 %), followed by oral mucosa, teeth, gums, and tongue. Complications of certain oral pathologies may be related to abuse for negligence. Bite marks have been associated to sexual abuse combined with oral lesions that appear as a result of sexually transmitted diseases. Parafunctional habits such as dental clenching (bruxism) have been linked to psychological abuse. Purpose : An extensive and detailed literature review of the clinical characteristics and proper handling when providing dental treatment to a child, who is presumably being abused, was carried out. The aim is for a dentist to early detect, document, consult with other professionals, and report cases of child abuse to authorities.